Mayor announces commitment to buy 1,000 electric vehicles for GLA fleet
Sat 10 October 2009
View all news
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has committed to buy 1,000 electric vehicles for the Greater London Authority’s public fleet by 2015. The move forms part of the Mayor’s draft air quality strategy, Clearing the Air, which will see higher vehicle emission standards and the championing of cycling and walking to work.
The Mayor has developed plans to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe, pledging to deliver a support infrastructure of 25,000 charging points to form an integrated network across London also by 2015. The Mayor's EV website (see link) pledges 100,000 electric vehicles (or 5% of the capital's fleet) on the streets of London 'as soon as possible'.
Mr Johnson has also said that the he will retain the congestion charge exemption for EVs.
The Mayor said: "By 2012 the eyes of the world will be on our city, and I am determined that we will be a cleaner, greener and less polluted city, that safeguards the health and wellbeing of its citizens."
He added: "I am thrilled to announce a partnership with some of London's largest fleet owners who are committed to using eco-friendly vehicles on the streets of the capital. Not only do electric vehicles save a large sum off fuel bills, helping businesses to remain lean in tough economic times, they are also great for London's environment."
Companies wanting advice on electric vehicles or information on the Mayor's electric vehicle plans, please follow the associated link.
In a separate announcement, the Mayor announced changes to the London Congestion Charge including the removal of the Western extension of the congestion zone, an increase in daily fees and improved, easier modes of payment. (See related link.)
Transport for London also announced its ten-year business plan for transport (see link) including planned improvements in the tube and overground network and the deliver of the Mayor's plans for a public cycle hire scheme.
Related Links
< Back to news list