COUNCILS are being encouraged to use low carbon vehicles with a new £4.2m government funding boost.
The money will help towards Scotland’s target of cutting emissions by 42% by 2020 and builds on over £4.3 million made available last year to local authorities who received funding to help to replace conventionally-powered vehicles with low carbon alternatives.
said: “The Scottish Government has set world leading targets to cut emissions and tackle climate change, so it is vital that funding like this is made available to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles and help develop a network of charging points.
“This extra funding will allow local authorities and their community planning partners to bridge the gap between the cost of petrol or diesel powered vehicles and their electric powered equivalents, and help drive down air-polluting emissions.
“We are determined to build on the good work carried out as a direct result of funding announced last year which has enabled Scotland’s public services to purchase 145 low carbon vehicles, including cars, vans and even street sweepers, and install 74 charging points across the country. This work will pave the way for the future uptake of electric vehicles amongst the general public.
“This exciting scheme has the potential to directly support innovative Scottish companies at the forefront of electric vehicle and battery production, and the expansion of these kinds of businesses will help support and create jobs in turn supporting sustainable economic growth.”
