North East leads the charge for green transport

Nov 23 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

Lord Adonis said his “Plugged-In Places” plan would see £400m spent encouraging motorists to switch to the next generation ultra-low carbon vehicles.

He added: “Our aim is for electric and low carbon cars to be an everyday feature of life on the UK’s roads in less than five years.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, however Plugged-In Places is one very significant step putting us firmly on the path to a low carbon future.”

Regional planners are now weighing up the latest cash offer.

Chris Pywell, head of strategic economic change at One North East, said: “I can confirm we are in talks with regional and national partners about a North East bid to the Plugged-In Places programme.

“The Transport Secretary was here last month to launch the first phase of the region’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which will become an international blueprint in this rapidly-developing sector. North East England is helping the UK to demonstrate that low carbon vehicles are not a futuristic vision, they are on our roads today, and are part of an industry which is already creating new jobs in our region.”

Newcastle and Gateshead councils are already installing a network of charging points at locations including supermarkets, shopping centres, hospitals, universities, public buildings, homes and business premises. The hope now is that Government cash will widen the network of charging points.

The total number and location of charging infrastructure supported by this initiative will depend on local plans and requirements.

Ministers say successful applicants will have to match the Government’s cash investment.