'Charge for charging' as Falkirk Council introduce tariff on electric car charging points

The sign states: “Please be aware that there is a tariff in force for using this charge point".

On seeing the notice on the charging point for the first time, one electric motorist said: “I was surprised and somewhat disappointed to see stickers suddenly placed on charging units at the charging hub.

" I was so proud of Falkirk for being at the forefront of this technology and encouraging us all to commit to a greener future – I was even persuaded to buy an Electric Vehicle ....“Unfortunately, as with many good things that happen in the town – when Falkirk Council is involved – they are short lived.”

Falkirk Council took the decision, which was announced during this year’s budget, to introduce the charging tariff to “ensure they can continue to maintain the chargers they own on the network, to make them more accessible and financially sustainable”.

The council currently owns over 30 chargers on the ChargePlace Scotland network and has plans to increase this to over 100 by September.

From Monday, April 19, motorists have had to pay 25p per kWh – with a minimum charge of £1 per charging session.

This charge applies at the Falkirk Stadium facility – the largest station of its kind in Scotland when it opened last August – and charging points throughout the Falkirk area, including three at Falkirk Community Hospital and two in Meeks Road car park.

The £1.4 million charging point station at Falkirk Stadium was officially opened by Falkirk MSP Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport and Falkirk Council leader Cecil Meiklejohn.

The self-service facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and it generates over 30 per cent of the required electricity to power the facility from its own solar canopy and saves 75 tonnes of carbon per year.

At the time Mr Matheson said: “I know that this facility is already greatly appreciated by people visiting and living in Falkirk who have made the switch to electric vehicles and are already experiencing the many benefits that they bring.”