At the Fife Council Cabinet Committee meeting, I raised concerns about the Electric Vehicle Strategy not addressing equalities issues, particularly for those on low incomes.

I cited issues for those without driveways who are often on lower incomes and also the accessibility of proposed sites, citing the lack of a proposed site in the Abbeyview area of my ward; Dunfermline South.

As part of our work to tackle the climate emergency, supporting people to make the move to electric cars is absolutely essential.

Unfortunately for many people on lower incomes, it is already a challenge and if they don't have a driveway, it makes charging the cars much more expensive if they can't do it at home.

The strategy does not have a plan for facilitating on-street charging in areas that lack driveways.

I also noted concerns that the proposed sites miss out some areas which this could be a particular issue, such as the Abbeyview area of Dunfermline.

Considering the new Abbeyview Hub is opening it seems like a missed opportunity.

It is important that the Council works to look for solutions to ensure that affordable electric vehicle charging is available to all, including being able to charge at home if they don't have a drive.

James Calder

Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dunfermline South

Convener - City of Dunfermline Area Committee