SalfordOnline
Your local community website
   Government announces UK's first 'Plugged-in Places'
Motorists who buy an ultra-low carbon car will receive 25% off the price up to a maximum of £5,000, the Government has announced. The grant will be available from January 2011 when a range of eligible vehicles are expected to be on line. The Government also announced the roll-out of a £30 million fund for a network of electric vehicle hubs - called Plugged-In Places - which will see charging infrastructure appearing in car parks, major supermarkets, leisure and retail centres, as well as on the street. The first Plugged-In Places were today named as London, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire and north- east England. A total of more than 1,000 vehicle recharging points will be installed during the next three years. The initiatives are part of a £450 million Government strategy to support the creation of a flourishing early market for ultra-low carbon vehicles. The programme will help to meet the UK's commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport, as well as creating new business opportunities for UK-based companies in the automotive and charging infrastructure sectors. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said: "Decarbonising transport isn't an aspiration - it's a reality. By this time next year, cutting-edge motorists will be on the roads with these next generation cars they've purchased because of our help. "And thanks to the Plugged-In Places we will have in place infrastructure to support this growing early market." He went on: "Transport has a huge part to play in helping the UK meet its stringent emission reduction targets and today's announcement is another step on the road to putting the UK at the global forefront of ultra-low carbon vehicle development, manufacture and use." Business Minister Pat McFadden said: "Low carbon vehicles are an important part of the broader shift to a low carbon economy. "The Government is focusing on this sector as a priority and we are committed to helping British businesses take advantage of the growth potential and job opportunities this presents." The grant towards the cost of the low carbon vehicles will be open to both private and business fleet buyers. To be eligible for the scheme, cars will have to pass performance criteria to ensure safety, range and ultra-low exhaust emissions. A second competition for Plugged-In Places funding is to follow later in the year, with consortia from the West Midlands, Cornwall, Sheffield, the Lake District, Greater Manchester and Northern Ireland having already confirmed their intention to bid for the next wave of funding. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Paul Everitt said: "This incentive scheme signals a significant commitment by Government and industry to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles and is great news for motorists. "The UK is determined to be a world leader in developing the field of ultra-low carbon vehicles, sustaining and creating high-skill jobs, attracting inward investment and producing cutting-edge products. "Manufacturers develop and produce new technology where demand exists. This incentive will encourage international investment in the UK as well as helping motorists cut CO2 emissions." Source: 24dash.com Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
