UPDATE: Glasgow is urgently seeking an operator for over 3,000 new electric vehicle charging points to be installed throughout the area. The Glasgow City Region, a coalition of eight local councils, has initiated a procurement process aimed at securing a private firm to deliver this ambitious scheme.
The project will also include the management of 600 existing charge points, with funding sourced from the private sector and supported by £3.6 million from Transport Scotland. This initiative marks the largest contract of its kind in Scotland and one of the most significant ever offered in the UK.
The eight councils involved in this historic collaboration are East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, and West Dunbartonshire. The contract is expected to be awarded toward the end of 2024.
Susan Aitken, the Glasgow City Region cabinet chair and leader of Glasgow City Council, emphasized the project’s transformative impact. “This scheme will help make electric vehicles more accessible to thousands of residents who do not have driveways, ensuring everyone benefits from the shift towards greener transport options.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating,
“This truly collaborative approach directly contributes to our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, this initiative comes at a pivotal moment. It aligns with Scotland’s commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, while also addressing the practical needs of residents.
The Glasgow City Region’s plan signals a major step forward in enhancing infrastructure for electric vehicle users, making it easier for residents to transition to cleaner transportation options. As this procurement process unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how it will impact local communities and the environment.
With the contract expected to be finalized within a year, the urgency to secure a capable operator has never been higher. Stay tuned for further updates as this groundbreaking project develops.
