Local SNP Politicians have welcomed a boost in support for electric vehicle use in Stirling. The proposals are as follows:
Wellgreen: Funding application has been submitted to install 8 points at the top part of the car park that will provide charging to those residents with parking permits as well as the general public. Stirling Council are awaiting a decision to find out if this has been approved.
Castleview: Stirling Council received funding from Transport Scotland in 2017/18 & civils work to install a new substation has begun, which will allow additional chargers to be installed.
Braehead: Stirling Council have identified a possible site at the community centre car park that would allow residents from the nearby courts to charge EVs. Stirling Council have obtained the necessary information on the utilities already on site & hope to meet with the supplier of the chargers to discuss the suitability of the site, with a view to submitting a funding application. The interest Stirling Council have had from residents, the community council & elected members should strengthen this bid. Discussions are also underway with the enforcement team regarding a possible traffic order to prevent vehicles that are not charging using any dedicated bays.
Transport Scotland have yet to inform Stirling Council of their 2018/19 funding allocation, once they have an indication of available funds they can begin to roll out more chargers. There is lack of chargers in the western area (Balfron, Kilearn etc.) and this has been identified as one area of focus.
Transport Scotland are also due to release details on their Switched on towns & cities fund and Stirling Council intend to apply for this once it is open. Additionally, Stirling Council are currently developing an EV Policy document that will cover issues such as the siting of rapid/slow chargers, tariffs for charging and parking charges.
Commenting, Bruce Crawford MSP said;
“It is fantastic to hear that drivers of electric vehicles will benefit from this investment from Transport Scotland and Stirling Council.
“Across my constituency, I regularly hear from people who want to make the leap to greener transport and this is welcome news for all those who want to play their part in making Scotland a more sustainable and eco-friendly nation.
“Funding from the Scottish Government has allowed projects for electric vehicles at Castleview to get off the ground and further applications for sites at Wellgreen show a positive move towards sustainable transport”.
Stirling East Councillor Alison Laurie added;
“I’m delighted that a possible site has been identified in Braehead that would allow residents to charge electric vehicles.
“There is clear interest from residents in my Ward and I am delighted that Stirling Council have committed to developing a policy to promote the use of electric vehicles as we look to workable alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles.”