Private sector to play role in electric car plan

Work is under way to improve electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Perth and Kinross.

And it seems likely Perth and Kinross Council will look to the private sector to improve the range of chargers available.

The announcement was made following a question from a councillor at a committee meeting last week.

At the November 16 meeting of PKC’s climate change and sustainability committee, Councillor Noah Khogali asked for an update on progress with improving EV infrastructure.

Barbara Renton, the local authority’s executive director of communities, told the Strathearn ward Conservative councillor that work had begun.

She said:“I can confirm work has started on the second tranche of EV work via our consultants Urban Foresight.

“This work will set the direction of travel for our future EV facilities and will likely bring in options for the council to consider in terms of the role of the private sector and importantly facilities for on-street and residential areas.

“It’s likely to be spring before the works are ready to be put up to the committee or the council to consider.”

Council leader Grant Laing, an SNP representative for the Strathtay ward, added:“I think it’s a very important issue that we move it on quite quickly.

“It’s good Cllr Khogali raised it again as our infrastructure does seem to be getting quite time-expired and there’s nothing more frustrating for people if they can’t get charged.

“So I’m glad to hear that is going to be moving forward early in the new year.

“With involvement hopefully through procurement of the private sector we’ll be able to offer a more diverse range of where people can charge with maybe faster charging as well.”

Kinross-shire SNP elected member Richard Watters, who convenes the committee, noted the points to“move on with this as fast as we possibly can”.