UPDATE: Glasgow’s ambitions for electric vehicle infrastructure are accelerating as the city seeks an operator for over 3,000 new electric vehicle charging points to be installed across the region. The Glasgow City Region, a collaboration of eight local councils, has launched a procurement process aimed at a private company to deliver this groundbreaking scheme.
This initiative is pivotal as it also includes the management of 600 existing charging points. The project is expected to be funded through private sector investments and £3.6 million from Transport Scotland, making it a significant step toward enhancing electric vehicle accessibility across the area.
Susan Aitken, chair of the Glasgow City Region cabinet and leader of Glasgow City Council, emphasized the project’s importance: “This will help make electric vehicles more accessible to thousands of residents without driveways.” As cities worldwide pivot to greener transportation, Glasgow’s move is both timely and necessary.
The contract, touted as the largest in Scotland and one of the biggest ever offered in the UK, is set to be awarded toward the end of 2024. This long-term investment reflects a serious commitment to phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in favor of sustainable alternatives.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop remarked on the collaborative effort, stating, “This truly collaborative approach directly contributes to our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”
As cities grapple with rising pollution levels and climate change challenges, Glasgow’s initiative comes at a crucial time. The upcoming contract and the rollout of these charging points have the potential to transform urban mobility, ensuring that electric vehicles become a viable option for more residents.
Stay tuned for further updates as Glasgow moves forward with this ambitious project, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable transportation solutions.
