The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (06 August) urged the Welsh Government to consider a new form of electric car charging, which converts lamp posts into charge points, to support the nation in meeting its carbon emission targets.  

Her intervention comes as the Welsh Government launched their Clean Air Plan for Wales. Yesterday, Mrs Finch-Saunders also urged the Welsh Government to consider supporting vehicle to grid technology, to foster long-term green collar jobs and help curb emissions. 

Commenting on her proposals, Janet said:  

“The Welsh Conservatives believe in bold and innovative business-first ideas to support our nation’s efforts to curb carbon emissions. Radical new thinking is required to adapt urban life in a way that ensures that new technology is open to all.  

“This is why I am urging the Welsh Government to investigate how it can support the latest engineering solution to convert publicly available lamp posts into electric car charging points. This will help to convert the everyday roadside parking spaces into charging bays. 

“With 990 charging points around Wales, of which only 60 can ‘rapidly charge’ in under an hour, access remains an obstacle to our large-scale transition to cleaner modes of transport. Ahead of the UK's ban on fossil fuel cars in 2035, a review into this new charging proposal should be considered. 

“Poor air quality due to petrol and diesel vehicle emissions remains a modern hazard, with five towns and cities in Wales all reporting illegal and dangerous levels of air pollution over recent years. The drive towards electric vehicles is an important step in our nation’s green recovery, supporting future generations to lead healthier lives.” 

ENDS 

Photo: Chutterstock/UnSplash