Pilot scheme proposed to increase electric charge points in Wales

In order to increase the number of electric charge points in Cardiff, a new pilot scheme has been proposed.

The proposals are part of a report which outlines a range of measures for Cardiff to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

An action plan has been produced outlining the priorities for the Council to deliver this aim, which will be discussed by Cardiff Council's Cabinet at its meeting on Thursday 19 April.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Michael Michael said: "There are a number of different ways we can make Cardiff a greener city and this report is looking specifically at transport and the need to move towards renewable fuels to reduce both the city's carbon emissions and the levels of nitrogen dioxide.

"All of this is linked with the recently launched Transport & Clean Air Green Paper which asks the public on their views on a variety of issues to improve air quality and reduce congestion in the city.

"The Council has a statutory duty to reduce carbon emissions in Cardiff and transport significantly contributes to the problem. In the UK, emissions from transport contribute 24 per cent of the total carbon emissions that are generated.

"Although we do not manage public transport in the city, we do have considerable influence and as a local authority we can act as a ‘catalyst for change'. There are a number of things that need to change to achieve our goals.”

Cllr Michael continued: "Firstly, we need to ensure that our own fleet of vehicles are not reliant on petrol or diesel engines and we have set an aspiration that we would like to deliver this for our small fleet of vehicles by 2022, with the Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV's) converted to an alternative fuel by 2030.

"Electric vehicles are the most cost-effective option for small vehicles, pool cars and our smaller white vans, provided that adequate charging points are in place. There are fewer low emission options for heavier vehicles but research on the options available, including the use of hydrogen, is progressing quickly.