An ambitious bid has been launched to consider installing affordable electric vehicle charging points locally to help lure tourists into our towns.
Dumbarton councillor, Iain McLaren, argues people recharging their cars should be using the time to take in our history rather than zooming up the A82 and spending money at large forecourt-style facilities.
A report on the issue will now be drawn up by councillors with the potential that a pilot scheme could be installed in the vicinity of Clydebank Town Hall which is set for an upgrade.
Councillor McLaren said that he himself is considering buying an electric vehicle soon.
He added: “People who are coming to visit the area or driving past the area will be looking for somewhere to charge their vehicles.
“Are we able to provide charging facilities at our areas of interest at a cost and convenience that would draw people away from people using the big, expensive forecourt style electrical charging facilities?
“Can we draw them into our town centres?
“It would give them an excuse to spend an hour or so while they charge their vehicles.”
The councillor explained that the costs of charging vehicles at some large-scale facilities is in some cases in line with running a diesel car.
He went on: “It’s quite contrary to some of the aspirations of vehicle ownership.
“If we can persuade people by coming off a main road for a mile or two, maybe five or 10 miles out of their journey they will get a much better experience in terms of cost of charging and what facilities they can visit while charging their vehicles.
“We have the castle, the Denny Tank and places in Alexandria, Balloch and Clydebank. People can take in a wee bit of our history in that 40 to 60 minutes while they are charging their vehicles.”
Councillor McLaren’s thoughts were echoed by Conservative councillor Brian Walker who argued that it could even free up the A82 by taking some vehicles off the main route north and Denis Agnew, who is chair of the cultural committee, during which the discussion was held last week.
Bailie Agnew said: “We do have areas of significant interest, areas in the Vale and down to Loch Lomond. We should be on the front foot here.”
The issue was discussed as members agreed a new plan for the refurbishment of Clydebank Town Hall.
Despite warnings from Malcolm Bennie who is the chief officer for citizen services that work would not likely to be able to be fulfilled by the end of next year or early 2022, members voted in favour of pressing on with plans to rip out booths and return cafe services.
A long gallery to form a clear open space with glass doors at each end was agreed to as well as firm opposition to vending machines being situated in the gallery area.
Members also voted in favour of a report being compiled by officers on weekend opening hours.
Bailie Agnew said: “You are recommending high quality vending machines. I am quite concerned and a bit confused we would put vending machines anywhere near galleries.
“By their very nature, they are very noisy.
“I am not convinced that putting in vending machines regardless of their high quality is the best way to replace a staffed area if we have any fine art or any touring exhibitions.”
