Cautious welcome for funding news
The funding for the new charging hub has been broadly welcomed.
However, there are calls for much more to be done to help encourage motorists to make the leap from petrol and diesel to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Stirling Council’s sole Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache welcomed the scheme, adding: “This is good news for infrastructure to support the uptake of electric vehicles in the area and particularly with the site’s connections with the motorway network and the A9.
“It’s a start, however but we need to do a lot more. This is a crucial element in tackling climate change which is having a major effect on all of us.”
Tory group environment spokesperson Councillor Ross Oxburgh similarly was supportive of the initiative, but wants its impact monitored.
He said: “This is excellent news. These initiatives do not just happen overnight, they take years of careful planning and this one was no different. I am delighted this investment will finally take place and thank the officers at the council responsible for this proposal.
“Let’s not get carried away though. This is a lot of money and there is still a huge amount of work needed to make sure it is well spent and delivers the results promised.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell meanwhile said: “This is a huge boost for commuters that will help free up city centre parking, reduce congestion and improve air quality making Stirling a more attractive place to live, work and shop. It’s exactly the kind of investment we need to transform our transport system rather than building endless new road capacity around Stirling.
“Clearly the financial commitment from European Union has been pivotal in making this project happen. It’s with some irony that this maybe Stirling’s last EU funded project.”
Earlier this year SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) reported an increase in demand for hybrid and electric cars of 14.4 per cent - but a 23.5 per cent slump in diesel sales.
Recent research by motoring organisation AA meanwhile has shown a growing number of car buyers struggling to make their minds up about what fuel their next car will use but that demand for hybrid of pure electric cars is booming with a quarter of drivers saying their next car will be of this type.
Stirling Council is said to also be looking at the practicalities of on street charging and the possibilities of linking this to street lighting infrastructure in future, although it has acknowledged it can be a complex area.
Among current charging points in the Stirling area are two at council headquarters at Old Viewforth, Stirling University, Fintry (operated by Fintry Development Trust), Balquhidder (Mhor Hotel) and at Balmaha (National Park).