Scotland plans to reduce emissions

In a government bid to reduce emissions, charging points for electric vehicles will be installed across Scotland.

It is hoped that the new charging points will encourage motorists to invest in electric vehicles, which are far friendlier to the environment.

When all charging points are installed, drivers will never be more than 50 miles from a charging point.

In addition, the government is giving away 100 per cent free charging points that can be installed in homes, meaning that electric car owners can top up from the comfort of their home.

Scottish transport minister Keith Brown said: "I look forward to the day when the only vehicles on Scotland's roads are electric vehicles, and this funding will be a massive step towards that vision.

"The move to EVs (electric vehicles) is good for our environment, helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce noise pollution, and will also benefit drivers who will be pleased to hear about the cheaper running costs. You can get from Edinburgh to Glasgow on a single charge for around £1.50 and right now electric vehicles are exempt from road tax."

However, although over 200 charging points will be installed this year, there are, according to statistics from last summer, only 198 cars, 66 motorbikes, 135 HGVs and vans licensed in Scotland.

Although a step in the right direction, the Green Party believes that there is a lot that can be done before looking at electric vehicles.

For one, Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens' transport spokesman, believes that cycling and walking should be a priority before driving.

"The SNP is putting its trust in a single future technological marvel when it has options to reduce emissions now," he said.

However, others think that the move is a fantastic idea.

David Densley, head of sustainable transport at SSE, said: "Electric vehicles have an important role to play in contributing to a low carbon economy and the installation of charging points across Scotland in the coming years will go some way to helping achieve this."