MILTON Keynes has been named as one of several UK cities to receive funds worth millions of pounds to promote electric cars.
Electric cars charging in Central Milton Keynes
£9million has been allocated to MK to construct a Electric Vehicle Experience Centre that promotes electric cars and can arrange short-term loans. Funds will also be used to make the city’s 20,000 parking spaces available for all electric cars, and to allow them to use bus lanes in the city, which will be re-designated as “low-emissions lanes”.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin made the announcement earlier today, which is part of a £40million scheme.
He said,
“These Go Ultra Low Cities have proposed exciting, innovative ideas that will encourage drivers to choose an electric car. I want to see thousands more greener vehicles on our roads and I am proud to back this ambition with £40 million to help the UK become international pioneers of emission cutting technology.”
At present, a number of parking areas in Central Milton Keynes are designated for electric vehicles, and charging points have become an increasingly common site in the city. Milton Keynes will also pay host to a trial for driverless vehicles.
The other cities to receive a share of the money are London, Bristol and Nottingham/Derby, while further funds have been established for new projects in Dundee, Oxford and North East England.
Poppy Welch, who is the head of advocacy group Go Ultra Low, said,
“We’re excited to see the innovative ideas put forward by each of the winning Go Ultra Low Cities become reality over the coming months. The £40 million investment by government, combined with funds from each winning area, will transform the roads for residents in and around the 4 Go Ultra Low Cities.”
Source: Citiblog
