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10
Oct
Shift to electric vehicles is 'essential', says Harrogate charity figure
The transition away from fossil fuels is gaining momentum, according to a senior figure in climate change charity Zero Carbon Harrogate.
Tim Larner, who is vice chair of the charity, was speaking to the Stray Ferret following the publication of a report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers, which revealed that all sales of electric vehicles hit a record high last month.
In September, manufacturers delivered 72,779 new battery electric vehicles, the highest ever monthly volume.
Increasing numbers of charging networks are also being rolled out across communities, as more petrol and diesel cars are replaced with electric alternatives.
Mr Larner said:
Transport is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, so this shift is essential. We’d encourage all car owners to consider the undeniable benefits, be it financial or environmental, of switching to an electric vehicle when the time comes.
It shows that the transition away from fossil fuels is gaining momentum, with fewer greenhouse gases and harmful emissions being produced by cars.
Despite the rise in sales, the costs associated with electric vehicle usage are still prohibitive for some, so the switch is still not accessible to everyone.
Mr Larner said:
The charging network is still not adequate, there aren’t enough chargers, many aren’t fast enough, and the cost of using public chargers can be too high.
We need bold policies to make electric vehicle charging easier, cheaper and more accessible for all.
He added that electric vehicles were not the only answer to the climate change problem, but rather part of the solution. He said:
Here in Harrogate, we also need to look beyond simply replacing petrol and diesel cars with electric ones.
Walking, cycling and reliable affordable public transport is vital for tackling congestion and improving health.
Only by reducing our overall dependence on cars and making them cleaner, will we create a healthier, more sustainable Harrogate for everyone.
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