Shapps demands ‘postcode should not play part’ in ease of using electric car

TRANSPORT SECRETARY Grant Shapps has demanded that a “postcode should play no part” in how easy it is to use an electric car.

Nearly 100 local authorities have fewer than 10 public charging devices per 100,000 population, according to figures published by his department. Barnsley council only has four devices per 100,000 people, while Wirral has five, Birmingham eight and Stoke-onTrent nine.

Conservative Mr Shapps said: “Your postcode should play no part in how easy it is to use an electric car, and I’m determined electric vehicles become the new normal for drivers.

“It’s good news there are now more charging locations than petrol stations, but the clear gaps in provision are disappointing. I urge local councils to take advantage of all the Government support on offer to help ensure drivers in their area don’t miss out.”

More than 25,000 pure electric new cars were bought during the first nine months of 2019, more than double the total in the same period last year. But industry experts have warned that demand for pure electric cars will be restricted unless there are significant improvements to the charging infrastructure. The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars sold from 2040.

Coun Chris Lamb of Barnsley council said it had introduced new measures including electrifying installing a network of 45 electric vehicle charging points across the borough meaning that 90 vehicles can be charged at any one time.

He said: “The roll out of electric vehicle charging points across public car parks will not only improve air quality but reduce the amount of carbon emissions we produce and help protect the environment for future generations.”