We must invest in our green infrastructure to support sustainable transport.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have this week called on both the Welsh Government and local councils to work together along with industry to ensure Wales is not left behind in the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points.
Sales of electric vehicles grew by over 130% in the year to
May 2020, with sales expected to grow further in the coming years.
Consultancy Capital Economics last year estimated that the
UK will need 25.3m charge points by 2050 if we are to hit the legislated target
of net zero carbon emissions.
This news coupled with a report from the Senedd’s Economy
Infrastructure and Skills Committee could indicate that Wales has the potential
to fall behind in our bid to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
“The lack of charging points is clearly as issue for people
all over Wales.
“Many homes, especially those in built up urban areas where
on road parking is common, will be unable or reluctant to consider an electric
vehicle as home charging is not practical.
“Similarly, there are large swathes of rural mid Wales where
there are no charging points, which will limit the appeal of these vehicles if
they can only be charged at home.
“I want the Welsh Government to work constructively with
local councils and industry in the years ahead to plan and deliver a network of
charging points to truly enable Wales to embrace the electric vehicle
revolution.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Cllr
Rodney Berman, added:
“It’s clear that the government cannot achieve the necessary
increases alone. A Senedd report published last year recommended that the Welsh
Government should be proactively working with local authorities to increase the
uptake.
“The UK Government is providing significant funding for
individuals and businesses to install EV charging points. However, it is
paramount that the Welsh Government makes it a priority to encourage more take
up in order to coordinate the introduction of a Wales-wide network of public
charging points and ensure Wales doesn’t lag behind other parts of the UK. We
also need to look at how more public charging points could be installed where
it is not practical for people to install their own.
“If Wales is to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050 the
widespread roll-out of electric vehicles for both private and public transport
is a must, but it also needs to happen much more quickly than is currently the
case.”
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