The Scottish government has announced that it will be providing new funding to support the nation’s transition to zero-emission transport, as the UK continues its journey to producing net zero carbon emissions.
With £30 million of funding to come in this financial year, the government will be offering support for community transport to be shifted to net zero, whilst also encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles by way of interest free loans. There will also be continued support for zero-emission car clubs.
Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport, said:
“Whether it’s electric miles or petrol miles, we know we need to reduce car kilometres by 20 per cent across the board to meet our climate targets. Coupled with continued support for zero-emission car clubs, I’m pleased we’re expanding support for community transport schemes. This will help eliminate the need for individual car ownership and ensure it’s not just the wealthiest in society who can benefit from modern EV’s.
Our funding package of over £30 million for zero-emission grants and loans will be refocused to support the many people and businesses, particularly in rural areas, who still require access to vehicles. By providing interest free loans for used electric cars and for new light commercial vehicles and taxis, we continue to support our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”
The zero-emission car clubs will allow communities to gain affordable access to the latest electric vehicles without having to commit to car ownership. This will hopefully incentivise households on lower incomes to move across to electric vehicles, rather than stick with diesel and petrol.
This new funding is completely separate to previous funding that has been introduced to bring almost 3,500 electric vehicles into the public sector fleet, as well as the £50 million that has been earmarked to establish 2,200 electric vehicle charging points for public use.
With net zero one of the UK government’s key focuses, as well as being something that is seen as crucial by both devolved governments and local authorities around the UK, it can only be positive that Scotland is committing funding to not only encourage more electric vehicles onto the roads, but also providing the infrastructure and means to make it easier for people to make that switch.
