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THERE are serious doubts over Boris Johnson's plan for an electric car revolution in London.
The Mayor wants to see 100,000 electric cars on the capital's streets by 2025, but a report by London Councils claims the move could cause extra congestion and would deter people from walking or cycling.
The transport committee report also raises fears over allowing the vehicles in bus lanes and the danger from motorists leaving their car's charging wire trailing while driving.
Under Mr Johnson's £60 million plan there would be 25,000 charging points in car parks and streets. Council leaders were concerned about where the points would be and the possible need for new electricity sub-stations.
They were also worried about parking bays being reserved for electric vehicles, especially in residential areas.
Chairman of the transport and environment committee, Mike Fisher, said: “Although we welcome ideas on how to reduce pollution caused by transport in London, there are many implications of electric vehicles which need to be considered carefully.”
Mr Johnson's spokesman said: “The Mayor wants to work hand in hand with all key parties, not least London's councils, on an electric revolution.”
Reader views (6)
Where does the electricity come from? Cheap gas electricity or Oil? No none of them.
Its just a gimmick that has not been taxed YET.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants, 20/06/2009 23:17
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Surely an electric car doesn't let you drive away with the wire uncoiled? It should be trivial for the thing to immobilize itself until the wire is retracted and the wire-cover closed.
That said, it's equally trivial to immobilise a gasoline car if the petrol tank cover is not closed. The last one I had, didn't!
- Nigel, London, 19/06/2009 19:29
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Good idea,Boris, but it needs further thought. A possible answer might be to allow only electric cars within a certain radius around the centre of London, with petrol and diesel driven cars restricted to outside that radius.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 19/06/2009 15:58
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Whilst I am not the most ardent fan of these fossil fuel-swilling deathtraps (electricity does not grow on trees), I find it hard to accept that an argument against their use is the potential for a driver to leave the charging cord dangling out the rear of the car.
It's about time that anyone with Health & Safety in their job title was given a P45 and the populace started using their common sense and taking ownership for their actions.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 19/06/2009 14:26
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Who is atually paying for all these charging points and infrastructure. I hope it's not council tax payers, as most of us don't bother having cars in London.
Why should we subsidise car drivers, even if they are green.
- P Staker, London, 19/06/2009 14:03
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great
- Benedict, Chennai India, 19/06/2009 13:36
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