Plaid Concerned over lack of E-Vehicle Infrastructure

Dr Dai Lloyd, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West has hit out at the Labour Welsh Government for not taking the lead on electric vehicle infrastructure. The current system of transport funding grants means that local authorities are left to lead.

Last week in his transport grants, Minister for Transport, Ken Skates AM announced that Swansea will receive £89,000 for charging points, whereas Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend will not receive any cash for this purpose.

Dr Lloyd called on the Welsh Government to take ownership and ensure that sufficient infrastructure is rolled out across the country, stating;

“In recent weeks we have seen Wales become the first country on the planet to declare a climate emergency. The First Minister, Mark Drakeford needs to realise that we need to see some actions that back up the seriousness of this situation.

It is particularly disappointing that two local authorities in South Wales West, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend did not receive any funding for charging points. How do the Labour Welsh Government expect people to invest in these vehicles when they are unwilling to invest in suitable infrastructure”

Dr Lloyd raised the issue with the Welsh Government Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans AM.

“If we are serious about moving away from fossil fuels to reduce our impact on climate change then the Labour Welsh Government must show leadership, their efforts thus far have been diabolical, they must work with every council to ensure a pan Wales charging network.”