Stathern Jc
Member
An article on the BBC News website reports that charges are to be introduced for the use of electric vehicle charging points at Scotrail stations.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67748404
I'm probably missing something here, but I can't help wondering why they have been free in the first place.
There's no disputing that it is commendable to encourage the use of electric vehicles, but giving a free recharge to all users does seem financially reckless as well as a considerable burden to Scotrail.
It does make me wonder what proportion of those taking advantage of a free recharge are actually using the rail services from those stations. A few pounds for a parking fee is a cheap price to pay for a full range in a car.
Other readers here will have a better understanding than I have of the availability and use of EVs and charging points, so comments welcome.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67748404
"Electric-car drivers will face fees to charge their vehicles at railway stations from early next year.
ScotRail, which said it would make no profit from the levy, confirmed a 43p per kilowatt hour (kw/h) tariff would be introduced from 8 January.
The nationalised firm said it cost £700,000 to operate the chargers every year.
Drivers who stay in the space for more than 12 hours will receive a £12 penalty under the new rules."
"Chargers are currently free to use, but drivers still have to pay parking fees already in place."
I'm probably missing something here, but I can't help wondering why they have been free in the first place.
There's no disputing that it is commendable to encourage the use of electric vehicles, but giving a free recharge to all users does seem financially reckless as well as a considerable burden to Scotrail.
It does make me wonder what proportion of those taking advantage of a free recharge are actually using the rail services from those stations. A few pounds for a parking fee is a cheap price to pay for a full range in a car.
Other readers here will have a better understanding than I have of the availability and use of EVs and charging points, so comments welcome.
Last edited by a moderator: