Jim Thomson

Scottish Government officials to consider an aligned national approach towards developing the EV charging systems,” he added, “and intend to develop the infrastructure in a manner that helps Stirling to embrace the move to electric vehicles as part of the Local Transport Strategy.

“The parking strategy is currently being developed and will look at a coherent approach towards deploying our EV charging infrastructure, particularly catering for park and ride sites and key car parks.

“We are also looking at the practicalities of on street charging and the possibilities of linking this to street lighting infrastructure.

“We currently have charging points in a number of car parks and we are looking at options to expand this provision to meet growing demand.

“It is expected EV charging will be expanded over the next few years as demand increases.”

Simon Benson, director of AA Cars says: “Mixed messages from the UK Government concerning diesel emissions has led to demand for diesel cars dropping off the cliff and now there are calls for stronger measures to be put in place to reduce air pollution.

“While 43 per cent of drivers in our survey currently own a diesel, only 12 per cent say they intend to buy one in future.

“Favour for petrol cars seems to be falling too. More than half (55 per cent) of buyers currently own a petrol car but 40 per cent say they will choose one this year.

“Demand for hybrid or pure electric cars is booming with a quarter (24 per cent) of drivers saying their next car will be hybrid or electric.”

Among current charging points in the Stirling area are several at Castleview Park and Ride, two at council headquarters at Old Viewforth, Stirling University, Fintry (operated by Fintry Development Trust), Balquhidder (Mhor Hotel) and at Balmaha (National Park).