Councillor calls for 'balanced' pricing at electric car charging points
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A BUCKIE councillor has stressed the importance of the region "staying ahead of the game" when it comes to electric car charging points.
Following a meeting of the economic growth, housing and environmental sustainability Committee Councillor Tim Eagle, who leads the Tory group on Moray Council, has welcomed a reassurance that the local authority's electric car charging policy will be included within a wider discussion paper on the charging network across Moray to be brought to council later this year.
Commenting on the notice of motion put before the committee, Councillor Tim Eagle said: “The UK government along with the Scottish Government have clear ambitions to phase out petrol and diesel cars and we are already seeing an increase in electric vehicle use across Moray.
“It is important in my mind that Moray Council stay ahead of the game, we need in place a strong network of car charges which are accessible for local residents and those transiting though Moray, but also we need a pricing framework which is fair, balanced and allows for continued investment.
“When I looked into this I was shocked to see we have not considered pricing since 2014 despite all the changes which have occurred in that time.
“Electric vehicles form a part of the climate change strategy in Moray but pricing was a key element missing from the initial information provided.
“I am pleased that officers gave a reassurance that pricing will be included in the discussion paper to be brought to council before the end of this year.
“The current pricing policy of £3.80 per charge makes no allowance for the size of battery or whether users just need a little top up rather than a full battery charge. This creates a serious unfairness and reduces the likelihood of owners using the council network.
“I am keen to support the move to electric cars and will be monitoring this as it moves forward so we can ensure Moray is a leading authority in our electric charging network."
