Department for Transport
Andrew Jones was in Milton Keynes today (7 July 2016) to see how 9 million of government funding for electric cars is delivering a major boost to the citys economy and is paving the way for thousands of free electric car parking spaces. Electric vehicle drivers in Milton Keynes can now park for free in 15,000 commuter and charging spaces with a new green parking permit. The scheme is the first in a series of nationwide initiatives designed to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.
In January, Milton Keynes was awarded Go Ultra Low City status alongside Bristol, London and Nottingham, securing multi-million pound investment from government. Dundee, Newcastle, York and Oxford have also received funding for specific Go Ultra Low projects. The cities and regions each received a share of 40 million funding by proposing exciting and innovative ideas that will encourage drivers to choose an electric car.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:
It is great to see the first part of Milton Keynes Go Ultra Low City plan become a reality. Thanks to the 9 million of funding we have provided, thousands of local residents will now be able to park their electric cars for free. This grant will also help to create an electric vehicle experience centre in the city and open up bus lanes to electric car drivers.
We are investing 600 million in cleaner, greener vehicles by 2020 to improve air quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every car and van in the UK being zero emission by 2050.
The council received 9 million funding to further its innovative work developing modern vehicles to tackle harmful emissions and reduce its carbon footprint.
Roads media enquiries
Press enquiries 020 7944 3108
Out of hours 020 7944 4292
Public enquiries 0300 330 3000