Welcome for electric chargers

A Welshpool councillor has welcomed news that Powys County Council has plans to introduce electric car charging points in car parks.

Councillor Graham Breeze last week called on the council to introduce a scheme for all the council-owned car parks and is delighted with a response from Highways Portfolio holder Liam Fitzpatrick who says £200,000 will be put aside for the scheme.

“The council’s Cabinet last month accepted the proposed Capital Strategy for 2018-23, which included £200,000 for electric charge points in council car parks,” said Councillor Fiztpatrick.

“The capital strategy will be considered by full council n Thursday.

“Our highways service likes to be ahead of the game and that is why we have put forward a capital bid for £200,000 to place electrical charging points in our car parks.

“Technology is reshaping the world and our county and we must adapt and change in advance of new technologies that will be with us shortly.

“The country is seeing an increase a growth in electric vehicle ownership so it is important that we look to introduce this infrastructure in Powys now. By providing an accessible network of electric vehicle charging points, we will be playing a key role in encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles, which will help improve air quality by reducing emissions from our roads.

“We’re also currently researching utilising waste plastics to be used to strengthen our highways but we are still at the early stages of discussion.”

Councillor Breeze said: “This is a very positive move and I welcome the forward thinking of the cabinet member, who has clearly recognised  the importance of Powys being ready for what is going to be a revolution in motoring over the next decade.

“I shall be encouraging Councillor Fitzpatrick to launch the scheme in Welshpool’s busy Church Street Car Park to help gauge an early response as the demand grows.”