New Coalition Government to mandate national EV recharging network
Thu 20 May 2010
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The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government which was formed following the May 6 General Election has published the details of its programme for government. Included in the plans is an agreement to mandate a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Among other transport-related measures, the programme includes plans to reform the way decisions are made on which transport projects to prioritise, so that the benefits of low carbon proposals (including light rail schemes) are fully recognised.
The Coalition also plans to support sustainable travel initiatives, including the promotion of cycling and walking, and will encourage joint working between bus operators and local authorities.
The Coalition's Programme for Government also includes plans to work towards the introduction of a new system of HGV road user charging to ensure a fairer arrangement for UK hauliers. It also confirms the objective of establishing a high speed rail network as part of its 'programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for creating a low carbon economy...Our vision is of a truly national high speed rail network for the whole of Britain'.
The new Transport Secretary is Philip Hammond who was formerly the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Theresa Villiers, former Shadow Transport Secretary, is Minister of State and the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries are Norman Baker, former LibDem Transport Shadow and Mike Penning.
Dr Vince Cable is the new Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Dr Cable's ministerial team includes David Willetts, John Hayes, Mark Prisk, Lib-Dem Ed Davey, Baroness Wilcox and Ed Davey.
For more details about the roles and responsibilities of the new DfT and BIS ministers, please follow the associated links.
In one of its first major announcements, the Coalition Government has confirmed a total of £6.2bn cuts intended to reduce the UK's large budget deficit. There are cuts of £683m for the Department for Transport and £836m for the Department for Business which are amongst the highest cuts to face government departments. (For more details follow the associated BBC news link.)
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