environment – Page 88 – The NEN

Public urged to Give Seals Space

The Seal Alliance has launched a new UK government-backed campaign to ‘Give Seals Space’ and reduce the shocking impact that human disturbance can have on these vulnerable marine mammals.

As the public go out for walks over the Easter weekend, the Seal Alliance warns that getting too close to seals can lead to their injury and death, even up to several months later.

The UK is home to 38% of the entire world’s population of grey seals and 30% of the European subspecies of common seals, yet these precious mammals face an extensive list of threats including climate change, toxic pollution, entanglement, collisions with vessels, plastics and other marine debris. Of these threats, disturbance from human interaction is a significant and growing problem.

Seals are vulnerable to any kind of human interactions, either deliberate or unintentional. The ‘Give Seals Space’ signs and leaflets will raise awareness of the simple steps the public can take to protect these precious creatures.

It features four easy-to-remember steps:

Keep well away from seals (use a camera zoom or binoculars) so that they can’t smell, hear or see you
Keep dogs on a lead when in an area where seals might be present
Never feed seals
Take all litter home

Young seals are most affected by disturbance and only 25% are likely to survive to the age of 18 months in a bad year. If people are being noisy or startle the vulnerable animals by getting too close, this wastes their energy, meaning young pups struggle to haul out of the water to rest and digest their food.

Female seals are heavily pregnant or pupping during the summer and getting too close or disturbing them can lead to seals stampeding on rocks, which prove fatal to both mother and pup. The impact on seals can also be invisible but results in mothers not being able to build sufficient fat reserves so they cannot feed new-born pups adequately.

The campaign is a timely reminder as the public go out for walks, take part in water activities or fly drones over the Easter weekend, and as lockdown measures gradually ease across the UK. The Seal Alliance is urging the public to exhibit special caution as seals have ventured further inshore on beaches and coastlines that have become quieter during lockdown.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Seals are one of our most iconic marine mammals. They can be found along our coastline around the UK, and we must do all that we can to protect them.

“Disturbance by members of the public can be detrimental to seals, but this is entirely preventable. I would urge everyone to follow the guidance, give seals the space that they need and respect this vulnerable marine species.

“This campaign will raise vital awareness ahead of the bank holiday weekend and help protect some of our most treasured marine wildlife.”

Andy Ottaway, of the Seal Protection Action Group, said: “Our precious coastal wildlife is coming under increasing human pressure. We need to be aware of the harm we can cause by getting too close to our seals and the often tragic consequences when we do.“

Sue Sayer, of the Seal Research Trust, said: I have witnessed bleeding, grazed flippers, ripped-out claws and gashed bellies that leave blood trails across the rocks after a stampede. Seals need our help so please keep yourself downwind and your dog on a lead.

“If a seal is looking at you, it has been disturbed, so please move further away. Use your camera and binoculars, stay quiet and out of sight. If we follow these simple rules we can enjoy watching seals for longer and without harm – a win–win for both people and seals.”

The Seal Alliance has used funding to produce leaflets and signage, for the public and wildlife tour operators, with guidance on how to ‘Watch Seals Well’ so not to disturb them.

The funding has also allowed the Alliance to employ a ‘digital ranger’ to help promote messages across social media platforms.

The Causey: sneak peek at plans to transform Southside street

The Causey Development Trust (CDT) is working with local Edinburgh resident Robert Motyka and Aga Miętkiewicz of Wee Dog media to share artist’s impressions and a video animation of how The Causey could look and be used
The Causey is a street in South Edinburgh that is currently vehicle dominated and unattractive
Objections to a design to transform The Causey into a street that is safer for walking, cycling and all users are currently with the Scot Govt. Department of Environmental Assessment
At a time when attractive outdoor space is at a premium and how we socialise safely has changed for the foreseeable future, creating places that prioritise people has never been so important

A charity that has been working tirelessly to transform an ill-used and vehicle dominated street in South Edinburgh for over 14 years is excited to give the local community a sneak peek at its plans thanks to a local partnership.

The Causey Development Trust (CDT) has teamed up with local resident Robert Motyka and Aga Miętkiewicz – the creative minds at Wee Dog Media – to create artist impressions of what The Causey (a street with historic significance in Edinburgh South) could look like, when the proposal currently sitting with the Scottish Government Department of Environmental Assessment (DPEA) gets the green light.

You can read the CDT proposal in full HERE

Available to view online and via social media, Robert and CDT have ensured that the local community are first in line to check out the artist’s impressions, by posting them in communal stairwells and around The Causey itself.

The first of the artist’s impressions looks down West Crosscauseway from Nicholson Street and using digitally created characters, draws attention to the proposed design that features a two-way bike system, plenty of space for pedestrians and makes way for trees, benches and neighbourliness.

The second impression looks from The Causey towards Nicholson Street, highlighting the change from a two-way, car dominated rat run, to a tranquil throughway for pedestrians and cyclists and hinting at the benefit to business spruced up shop fronts.

These artist’s impressions and indeed the design proposal promoted by City of Edinburgh Council in a Traffic Regulation Order for this street by CDT, have come about as a result of years of Ideas Workshops (with participants aged 12 -92 years) exhibitions, consultation with individuals and businesses located locally as well as liaison with The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh World Heritage, Sustrans Scotland, Spokes and Living Streets Edinburgh.

The City of Edinburgh Council supports CDT’s aims and the design proposed for The Causey.

It is not the first time that Robert Motyka and CDT have teamed up to help promote create a safer, healthier, and more attractive environment for those living in and around The Causey, and to promote the design proposal under review by DPEA.

In 2020 CDT premiered a film called The Causey – transforming a place created by Robert as part of their Doors Open Day 2020 contribution and you can watch it in full HERE.

The Causey Development Trust Chair David Wood said: “We are delighted to be in a position to share these amazing visualisations of our plans for The Causey with both the local community and wider Edinburgh public thanks to the fantastic work undertaken by Robert and his team at Wee Dog media.

“By working with local resident Robert and his Wee Dog Media colleague Aga, we have been able to put years of planning and canvassing of the local population into a visual format for the local community to enjoy for the first time.

“Given the impact of Covid-19 on how we work and interact, there has never been a more important time to prioritise people by creating spaces that are safer and greener and cater to the needs of the whole community.”

The Causey Development Trust is a charity committed to putting people back at the heart of The Causey, a street in Edinburgh’s Southside, by transforming it into a space that everyone can enjoy.

Currently dominated by vehicles and a redundant, unsightly traffic island, The Causey has the potential to be a fine civic space and plans to make it such submitted in 2018 are currently awaiting the final green light from the Department of Environmental Assessment.

By reconfiguring The Causey, reducing the volume of vehicles passing through the street and creating two way cycling, CDT will promote safer everyday walking and cycling while giving local people, visitors and students an attractive and practical public space that they can use for community-inspired events, neighbourliness, resting, socialising and simply soaking up the historic surrounds – and maybe even some sun!

Sunday parking restrictions to be introduced next month

Changes to some parking restrictions will come into force in Edinburgh from Sunday, 11 April.

The city council is introducing Sunday afternoon parking restrictions in the city centre, as well as rolling out shared use parking bays across the city, meaning either permit holders or pay and display customers can use the same spaces.

Sunday parking charges recognise the fact that, under normal circumstances, Edinburgh is now a seven-day city, with many shops, restaurants and visitor attractions open throughout the week.

New controls, in place from 12.30pm to 6.30pm every Sunday, will help us manage the way people park, which can restrict traffic movement, impact on the ability to service shops and businesses and, most importantly, pose a safety risk to other road users. The changes will bring us in line with many other UK cities which already charge for Sunday parking, including Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.

Shared use parking, which is being introduced in Controlled Parking Zones one to eight, increases accessibility to parking spaces for both residents and visitors, allowing for more flexibility. This has also allowed us to introduce visitor parking permits to these zones, making it easier for people to visit residents.

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “These updated controls are about improving conditions in the city centre, creating a safer environment and tackling inconsiderate parking, as well as providing greater flexibility for residents to park nearer their homes.

“Under normal circumstances, there is no doubt Edinburgh is a seven-day city, and we simply must address this as restrictions begin to be lifted and people return to the centre for shopping and socialising.

“We want to support businesses to recover from the COVID pandemic and greater parking controls on a Sunday will encourage customer turnover, allow more access for servicing and create a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone.

“The Parking Action Plan was developed with the city’s residents in mind, and measures like shared use parking will provide greater flexibility and the opportunity to park closer to home for many permit-holders.

“Along with Sunday parking controls, these changes are central to our broader ambitions to manage demand and rethink the way people move around Edinburgh.”

The new controls are being introduced as part of the Parking Action Plan, which was approved by Transport and Environment Committee in 2016. The plan is key to realising our ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and supports the City Mobility Plan, a ten-year strategy to rethink the way people and goods move in and around the city, reducing the dominance of traffic and creating streets and spaces for people.

Parking initiatives will help reduce car use and congestion, improve safety and air quality and encourage walking, cycling and public transport use.

Controls will help people with mobility impairments, both those who rely on public transport (which is often impeded by poor parking) and blue badge holders, who can be impacted by unrestricted parking leading to fewer available spaces. We also want to provide better flexibility and deliver best value for residents.

Sunday parking restrictions will cover Controlled Parking Zones one to four, incorporating city centre streets like George Street, Castle Terrace and Chambers Street. Shared use parking will also be implemented here, as well as zones five to eight, which includes areas of the city such as Stockbridge, New Town, Newington and Bruntsfield.

Find out more about the changes and the Parking Action Plan on the Council website.

Edinburgh residents double up on the climate change fight by getting on their second-hand bikes

It’s well known that leaving the car at home and wheeling out the bike instead saves carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere.

Due to lockdown, more people in Edinburgh have been opting for two wheels instead of four, with demand for bikes on the rise. This has led to people searching out an even more planet friendly option – a second-hand bike.

The Bike Station in Edinburgh adapted its operations during the coronavirus pandemic, bringing in new procedures to ensure they were able to continue to serve the local communities. It’s Hero Bikes scheme offered free bikes to NHS staff and other key workers. The bikes are checked and, where required, refurbished in line with high quality and safety standards before going on the shop floor.

Awarded by Zero Waste Scotland, the Revolve certification is Scotland’s quality guarantee for pre-loved items. It gives shoppers the confidence that they will receive quality products and excellent customer service.

Catherine Bozec, Consumer Campaigns Manager for Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It’s great to see more Scots are purchasing pre-loved bikes. By shopping second-hand, we reduce the volume of new products that need to be created, meaning fewer greenhouse gas and carbon creating processes take place.

“We must reduce our carbon footprint before it’s too late and shopping second-hand supports that. Buying a bike at a Revolve certified store instead of new reduces your carbon footprint and supports local charities and social enterprises. It really is a win-win.”

Research by Zero Waste Scotland shows that if all bikes in the country were purchased second-hand, it would save a total of 23,400 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of taking 12,000 cars off the road for one year.

Manufacturing new products, whether it’s a bike or a book, leads to more planet-warming carbon emissions. Around four fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint is attributed to the new products and materials we buy and use. Reducing the demand for new bikes by reusing ones already in existence will protect natural resources and reduce emissions.

Over 5000 bicycles were bought in Revolve certified second-hand stores across Scotland over 2019 and 2020, contributing to a carbon saving of over 600 tonnes. The saving, which is compared to buying new, is the equivalent of taking 321 cars off the road for a year.

For anyone wishing to find out more about Revolve, please visit the website for a list of stores and contact details: www.revolvereuse.com

Scotland to benefit from £21.4m investment in new electric buses

Funding made available through Scottish Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme
22 double-deckers and 24 single-decker electric buses for Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth
Major investment totalling £11m in Aberdeen, £6m in Kilmarnock and £4.4m in Perth
Buses all built in Scotland by leading bus manufacturer ADL with Perth and Aberdeen infrastructure provided by SSE
Boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector helping protect and grow jobs

Stagecoach has announced that it will be introducing a further 46 new fully electric buses representing an investment of £21.4m across Scotland as part of its drive to improve air quality and support the Scottish Government’s environmental targets.

The order for new electric buses follows today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding being awarded through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.

The initiative helps bus companies invest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to support a green recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic, improve air quality and advance Scotland’s ambitions for a net-zero economy.

Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Transport has a critical role to play in the economy reaching net zero, as rising car use has resulted in a rise in carbon emissions from the sector. Stagecoach has recently announced that it is targeting a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.

Funding has been awarded to bus operators following a competitive bidding process with Scottish Government investing £8.9m from its grant scheme in the new Stagecoach buses.

The new electric bus order is made up of:

22 electric double-decker ADL E400 buses for use in Aberdeen City
15 electric single-decker ADL E200 buses for use on Kilmarnock Town Services 3, 6 and 7
9 electric single-decker ADL E200 single-deckers for use in Perth on bus routes 1 and 2
The investment provides a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. The new buses will all be built in Falkirk by leading independent global bus manufacturer ADL in partnership with BYD, the company’s partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland.

The award from Scottish Government also includes funding for electric infrastructure for depots. Stagecoach is partnering with Scottish-headquartered low carbon energy company SSE to deliver the new electrical infrastructure needed in Aberdeen and Perth depots.

Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Sustainable public transport is critical to the future of our planet: decarbonising local journeys, reducing road congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change. We welcome today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding to support the roll out of 46 new electric buses in Scotland.

“This major investment will also provide a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. As major investment is made in zero and low emission buses, it also enables us to build further on developing in skills and training for our engineering teams to maintain the new greener fleet as we transition to new zero emission technologies.

“As Scotland gears up to host the COP 26 climate change summit in November, it’s a crucial time for us all to think about how we can help deliver a greener recovery from Covid-19. Major investment in new zero-emission buses also needs to be matched by better road infrastructure and more bus priority measures to help encourage people to make the switch from car to sustainable public transport.”

Over the past decade, Stagecoach has invested more than £1 billion in 7,000 new greener vehicles – more than any other operator in the UK – including electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen and bio-fuel technologies.

Paul Davies, ADL President & Managing Director, said: “This substantial order of new electric buses continues Stagecoach’s track record of strong investment in cleaner buses. We look forward to working closely with Stagecoach to get these new buses onto the roads of Aberdeen, Perth and Kilmarnock at pace.

“These zero emission buses will be built at our factory in Falkirk and it is great news for Scotland that this investment is being recycled into the local economy, allowing the benefits to be felt across our communities whilst helping to underpin skilled jobs.”

Kevin Welstead EV Sector for SSE Enterprise said: “SSE Enterprise is delighted to partner with Stagecoach to help them deliver their planned bus electrification programme across Scotland.

“Ensuring that we provide this and the next generation with clean and green public transport is a priority for us – especially with COP26 coming to Glasgow this year, of which we are proud to be a major sponsor.”

Independent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research* (Cebr) published last year shows that Stagecoach delivers cleaner communities and annually saves £12.4million in emissions impact costs, which could power 9,800 homes for a year.

Without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 through passengers using alternative transport, mainly cars. Some £343 million in potential congestion-related savings are also delivered by Stagecoach through a reduction of 1.22 billion miles of traffic.

1,200 community rail volunteers poised to play a key role in Scotland’s recovery

Members of a grassroots rail movement have continued to strive for Scotland’s communities and work towards a greener transport future, despite the pandemic.

Figures from Community Rail Network’s Community Rail in Scotland report – sponsored by Rail Delivery Group – highlight that over 1,200 volunteers give over 55,000 hours annually to help improve social inclusion, sustainable and healthy travel, wellbeing, economic development, and tourism in their local area, valued at £4.7 million.

Making up Scotland’s nine Community Rail Partnerships and 260 station groups, they carry out projects to bring improvements to rail services and stations, with improved accessibility and inclusion, and help communities to have a voice in rail and transport development, working with train operators, local authorities and other partners.

Across Scotland, groups are involved in community gardening, food growing and biodiversity projects on station land; the creation of heritage boards or community artwork to help people learn about and take pride in their area; volunteering at stations to create a safe and attractive environment for passengers; work with rail industry partners towards improvements, such as better shelters, signage or pedestrian and cyclist access; and running events, workshops and activities to promote sustainable travel, bring people together, and celebrate the local community.

Community rail partnerships and groups have continued to support communities and local resilience efforts during the pandemic (see below). They are now looking forward to playing a pivotal role in building back better from Covid, helping our railways to be a vital component of a greener, more inclusive way forward as part of a ‘green recovery’.

Community rail across Scotland:

In Edinburgh, the 6VT Youth Community Rail Partnership (6VT CRP) is Britain’s only youth-led community rail partnership.

It was established via the 6VT Youth Café, which provides a space for young people to come together to access support to improve their lives and realise their potential. Working mainly with 14–21-year-olds, the café has helped more than 160,000 young people since the late 1990s, providing access to a range of services and personal development opportunities.

The group devises projects on issues that are important to its young members, such as supporting the launch of the Crimestoppers ‘Fearless’ anti-hate crime campaign at Edinburgh Waverley Station, hosting suicide prevention training, and an award-winning pram safety project focused on making rail travel easier for parents travelling with buggies.

More widely across Scotland – from Edinburgh, across to Glasgow and into the Highlands – the Highland Mainline Community Rail Partnership has continued its support for local communities by launching a new ‘Travelling Classroom’ initiative.

The project will involve local primary schools along the route between Dunkeld & Birnam and Carrbridge, and aims to help children learn about rail safety, rail travel, and promote better engagement between the railway and local people.

When travel restrictions are lifted, this will see trains becoming classrooms for the pupils as they take a trip to enhance their learning.

Commenting on the importance of the community rail movement in Scotland, Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network said: “Community rail works to make our railways as inclusive as possible, bringing people together and bolstering local pride and wellbeing.

“In Scotland, community rail groups have adapted and responded, supporting communities through the pandemic, maintaining positivity, and continuing to help people get the most from their railways and stations.

“As our communities rebuild from Covid-19, within community rail, and across our railways, we will need to redouble efforts, with our partners, to create confidence and togetherness, and play our part in re-orientating ways of thinking and living to be more socially and environmentally responsible.

“Community rail is all about that: communities and connectedness, and people working together to make things better for each other and our shared future.”

Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The railway is at the heart of local communities and the fantastic initiatives by community rail volunteers in Scotland play to its strengths, connecting people up and down the country.

“As we recover from the pandemic, getting more people back on trains will be vital to boost local economies and the environment, so the support of community rail will be more important than ever.”

Ros Houldsworth, ScotRail’s community liaison executive, adds: “From promoting tourism to improving station connectivity, from increasing opportunities for young people to encouraging environmental ambitions, the impact of community rail continues to grow.

“I believe that community rail will have a vital role to play in supporting ScotRail and the wider rail industry in Scotland, as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information on community rail and to find your groups near you, visit communityrail.org.uk.

New working frontier: a people focussed blended model for the post-Covid future

A new report by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) reveals that the workforce of the future – predominantly those who have been office based – will want to make informed choices of where and how to work most productively and more beneficially for their wellbeing.

Post the pandemic, organisations should consider the three ‘Hs’ of working – from Home, a nearby hub or local location, where employees can meet clients or have time to concentrate on projects, or the HQ and head office, where people can gather to socialise, brainstorm ideas or collaborate face-to-face.

The New Frontiers for Smarter Working, Work and Workplace Report also finds that this new blended future will depend on how employers gauge the benefits from the improved working set up while ensuring the wellbeing of employees.

Shona Adam, SFT’s associate director of Workplace Change and co-author of the report, said: “This exciting future is about allowing both employer and employee to make an informed choice of where they want to work from, on any given day, that is going to best achieve the outcomes that need to be delivered by both the employee and the organisation.

“As a result of the pandemic, we know that people have benefited from the lack of the daily commute and that the majority of office-based roles can be done remotely. However, some people are struggling with mental health and isolation problems. Each organisation will have to assess the preferences of their workforce as well as explore the impacts, and weigh up the longer-term benefits and risks.”

Working in conjunction with an SFT-led group comprising of public, private and third sector ‘smarter working’ professionals, a variety of opportunities for the future have been identified.

Analysis of a sample of public sector organisations from the Working Group identified employees’ preferences and found 88% wanted to work at least one day a week from home, with 24% happy to continue to work full-time from home, while only 10% preferred not to work from home.

Shona Adam, went on: “Smarter working isn’t just about the physical place. It’s about understanding the people aspect, and this will be the future focus. This is a social revolution, accelerated by the pandemic. It’s not a static situation where we simply return to old ways.

“As a result, the reoccupation of physical office space requires radical rethinking and one of the most common questions that the group is now receiving is about how organisations reorganise the physical office spaces that have been used in the past. Organisations need to understand ‘the purpose’ of physical workspace in the future and how they will use it.”

Ms Adam said the culture of ‘presenteeism’, where employers and managers expected to see their colleagues sitting in the office, is being swept away: “What the pandemic has demonstrated is that we have gone from the head office or HQ, to hundreds and thousands of offices in homes. We have a dispersed workforce working on the basis of trust to get the job done.”

However, home working for prolonged periods is having an impact for some people on their mental health and in certain cases, causing social isolation. Acknowledging this, the report explains how employees could continue to go to the Head Office to socialise, integrate with colleagues, cooperate on ideas and strategy, innovate products and services and to share the culture.

Neutral ‘Hub’ locations, such as a café or a digitally connected public library, could also become part of the flexible working solution, allowing face-to-face meetings or research to be undertaken away from home.

SFT hopes organisations embrace the opportunity driving the momentum for change, with the report pointing out that there will be clear differences between organisations depending on their purpose and function and how supportive employers are to the concept.

This will require different thinking around Human Resources and Organisational Development functions such as employment contracts and leadership structures while monitoring of mental health and wellbeing will be crucial to everyone in the evolving situation.

Summing up, Shona Adam said: “Collectively, across both public and private sectors, we need to use the experience we’ve had during the pandemic in a positive way, to dispel presenteeism and consign it to the past.

“Workers can be located anywhere provided they undertake the activities they are paid to do. This is a tremendous opportunity to explore a distributed network for delivering outcomes.”

Holyrood to host an international summit of parliamentarians on climate change

One of the largest gatherings of international parliamentarians to discuss the climate emergency will take place at the Scottish Parliament in November, it has been announced today.

The two-day event, which is being organised by GLOBE International in partnership with the Scottish Parliament, forms part of the wider programme of events surrounding the UK hosted, COP26 conference in Glasgow.

The International Legislators’ Summit is due to take place in a hybrid format at the Scottish Parliament on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 November 2021. The Summit will invite international parliamentarians to engage in discussions around the theme of ‘accelerating climate action and delivering a green, fair and resilient recovery’.

Ken Macintosh MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “The eyes of the world will soon turn to Glasgow as we look towards what international progress can be made to tackle the issue of climate change as it hosts COP26 later on this year.

“The Debating Chamber of this Parliament has not shied away from tackling important issues. So it is particularly fitting that the Parliament can support this global event and provide a platform for international parliamentarians to discuss some of the most important issues that will affect the world in the coming years.”

Gillian Martin MSP & Convener of Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee said: “This event will help highlight the critical role that Parliaments all over the world will have to play if we are to effectively tackle the climate emergency. Only through effective law-making and detailed scrutiny can we be confident that national Governments can deliver on their global and national commitments.

“It will facilitate collaboration, open communication and shared learning which will be so important to us all on our shared journey through the climate emergency.”

Juan Carlos Villalonga, President of Globe Argentina & Chairman of the Board of GLOBE International, said: “Five years on from Paris, few could have foreseen that the world would be thrown off course by a global pandemic and COP26 delayed by a year. COVID19 has revealed the systemic and interconnected nature of crises.

“As we gather in Glasgow to address the climate emergency, our response as legislators must be similarly systemic and interconnected. We must work together to raise ambition for accelerated action on climate change.

“Action which succeeds most when it delivers co-benefits and simultaneously addresses related crises such as biodiversity loss and inequality in our communities.”

* Hybrid/virtual arrangements are assumed for this event to ensure that it is able to proceed despite any COVID-19 restrictions in place on 5 and 6 November

Which? – Fragmented electric car public charging networks must be overhauled

Which? is calling for a major overhaul of the UK’s fragmented electric vehicle public charging network to ensure emission-free vehicles are a viable option for all consumers.

The consumer champion analysed the UK’s electric car public charging network and found serious issues within the infrastructure that could deter people from buying electric vehicles.

It found motorists cannot easily use charging networks operated by different providers as they rely on a bewildering array of sub-standard apps and payment methods, and drivers can face unnecessarily expensive charges.

With around 12 million electric cars expected to be on UK roads by 2030, according to the Climate Change Committee, Which? believes the public charging network as it stands is not fit for purpose for the millions of people who will soon depend on it, and is in dire need of reform to ensure it is accessible for all consumers.

More than 30 providers make up the UK’s public charging network, however Which? found almost all require motorists to download a network-specific app, or sign up for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card to use their charge point – a confusing system that would mean drivers planning long journeys would have to ensure they have the right app or RFID for chargers on their route.

Tesla has one of the most affordable networks of ultra-rapid public chargers (120-250kW), but this can only be used by Tesla car owners, dividing the public charging network even further. When Which? asked if Tesla would open its supercharger network to other car brands in the future, the company said it would not make “future-looking statements”.

Tesla also has a network of “destination chargers” with a power output of 3-22 kW, some of which are only available to Tesla models, whereas others can be used by any car with a Type 2 plug. However, these chargers could be opened up to all cars, as Tesla confirmed there is “just a switch inside that makes it [the charging point] universal or Tesla only”.

The UK government previously advised that all rapid chargers built from spring 2020 should allow payment by card – but as it is not legislation, not all firms have installed card payment machines.

According to Zap-Map, fewer than one in 10 (8%) of charge points offer rapid chargers (25-100kW) and allow card payments. Most other types of chargers do not accept cards. Drivers who use chargers and want to pay by card can face additional costs, as some that do accept cards charge more.

BP Pulse, one of the biggest providers in the UK, accepts contactless payments but charges 25p per kWh for those who pay via its website or app and 30p per kWh for card payments. Which? calculated that this 5p difference, using the Volkswagen id.3 as an example, could mean owners paying by card would be charged around £140 extra annually.

While Which? believes it is charging customers more for using a bank card, BP Pulse told the consumer champion: “those who choose to sign up for a free membership receive a discount on their charging costs”.

Motorists could also face higher charging costs if they use a network that charges per minute rather than per kWh, such as Source London.

Using the Volkswagen id.3 as an example, Which? found from Source London’s 7.4 kW charger it would cost £1,012 annually to charge, but this would increase to £1,740 a year from a 22 kW charge point, which costs more due to its faster charging rate, though most cars have a maximum AC charging rate of 11kWh.

Source London told Which? that its prices include on-street parking, which others do not, and that its “price per minute pricing structure is designed to encourage users to disconnect their vehicle as soon as they have finished charging.” It also confirmed customers will still be charged even once their car reaches 100 per cent charge, though overnight chargers are cut off after four hours.

As a first step to reform the public charging network, the government and industry should consider making public chargers universal so motorists need just one app, RFID card and account to access all networks across the UK. While creating a universal infrastructure will have its challenges, Which? believes it is essential to create a simple and appealing network.

Other improvements that should be considered include avoiding single-brand networks from being created, and for Tesla to open its charging points to all EV drivers, as the UK needs more charge points. It should also consider implementing a pence per kWh pricing structure as opposed to charging per minute to ensure drivers are not overcharged and can easily compare costs across different providers.

The government’s ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars will encourage more motorists to switch to emission-free vehicles, which will play a vital role in achieving net-zero by 2050. However, to ensure motorists can make this transition, the public charging network needs to work much better for consumers.

Harry Rose, Which? Magazine Editor, said: “Millions of consumers will be expected to own electric cars in less than a decade, but the public charging network is disjointed and in dire need of reform to ensure it is a viable option for all consumers, especially those who do not have access to a private charger.

“The lack of universal access to the various charging networks must be addressed and a much simpler pricing structure is needed so consumers can easily compare prices across providers and ensure they are not overcharged.”

Buying an electric car

If you’ve never driven an electric car, you may be surprised by the quick acceleration from a standstill, so take it slowly on your test drive until you get used to it.
You will save money on car tax. Electric cars are exempt from car tax as they emit zero CO2. Also, they are exempt from the ‘expensive car supplement’, which sees most models that cost over £40,000 liable for an extra £310 per year for years two to six of ownership.
If you can charge at home, you’ll want to get a wall box charging point. The UK government currently offers a grant toward buying and installing a wall box, called the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which covers 75% of the cost, capped to a maximum of £350. For those living in Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust will provide up to £300 further funding on top of this, with an additional £100 available for those in the most remote areas.

Lauriston Farm project looking for local people to get involved

Do you live in Muirhouse, Pilton or Drylaw? Would you like to be in our advisory group?

We are looking for people from the Muirhouse, Pilton and Drylaw areas to join the advisory group for the Lauriston Farm project.

The project seeks to transforming an existing farm into an urban food production and community hub that benefits, supports and regenerates the environment and all those connected to it.

The group will meet once a month to give input, insight, thoughts and advice on different aspects of the farm project as it progresses.

In terms of time commitment, there will be an introductory meeting in late March and monthly meetings thereafter. (maximum one 2hr meeting per month).

If you would be interested in joining the group please e-mail:

edinburghagroecology@gmail.com