Drive to power Buxton's electric car revolution

The campaign aims to push for more charging points to be introduced in Buxton.

Sales of the green vehicles are increasing dramatically – by December of last year there were 132,000 plug-in cars and a further 5,100 vans on UK roads.

An increasing number of premises are now catering for the vehicles’ drivers by installing charging stations on their premises. In December, there were 14,250 charge points in the United Kingdom.

However, only three of those are currently identified in central Buxton - but a new campaign by local groups aims to change that.

Charles Jolly, chairman of the Transition Buxton co-ordinating group, said: “This is a win-win opportunity to attract visitors, support local drivers and improve air quality – especially if the electricity is sourced from renewable energy.”

Transition Buxton, with support from Vision Buxton and Buxton Town Team, is contacting businesses in the area highlighting the benefits to be gained by offering charging facilities to customers and staff – especially as grants and subsidies are available to help cover the costs.

The government currently offers businesses, charities and local authorities a grant of £300 per socket – up to maximum of 20 sockets – to subsidise installation at a dedicated off-street parking place.

They believe that as a market town and a tourist destination, Buxton is well placed to attract more ecologically-aware motorists by providing more plug-in points.

Visit www.transitionbuxton.co.uk/what-we-do/transport/electriccarcharging for more details.