Fire stations may offer car charge-ups to public

Fire service is looking at allowing access for low-emission vehicles

Fire stations could host charging points for electric cars as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to make the country greener.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is “actively looking” at allowing the public to plug in their low-emission vehicles at its 356 sites.

It emerged as the first minister pledged an extra £17 million to increase access to charge stations and put more eco-friendly buses on the streets.

Dundee is poised to take advantage of any fire station plug-in plan, with the city having one of the most advanced electric vehicle networks in the UK.

An SFRS spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through innovative solutions including the adoption of ultra-low emission plug-in vehicles on to its light fleet. It is currently working with the Transport Scotland Switched on Fleet Programme to develop an effective solution.

“The service is also actively looking at how it could utilise its 356 fire stations across the country to support the ongoing development of charging networks across Scotland’s communities.”

Ahead of the publication of Nicola Sturgeon’s programme for government today, the FM said the extra funds would “help Scotland lead the way in transforming to a low carbon country”.

“Through continued investment, and work to encourage communities to embrace the social change required, we can make our towns and cities more desirable places to live and work in, and develop a sustainable future for younger generations,” Ms Sturgeon said.

Last year she pledged to phase out petrol and diesel cars and vans on Scotland’s roads by 2032.

But the SNP leader was mocked by the Scottish Greens for suggesting her party is making the country a world leader in sustainable travel.

Green MSP John Finnie said: “While any investment aimed at reducing carbon emissions is welcome, including this small sum from the government, a hundred new buses out of a fleet of thousands makes a mockery of the first minister’s claim that the investment places Scotland at the ‘forefront of low carbon travel’.

“Furthermore, the claim really is laughable considering Norway will phase out petrol powered cars seven years ahead of Scotland and that hybrid cars will be permitted to be sold here beyond the 2032 target.”

Dundee is one of four Scottish cities to be designated as a low emission zone, which will hit drivers of all but the cleanest vehicles with penalties.

Picture: Kim Cessford. The fire service is actively looking at how it could utilise its 356 stations across the country.