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PRA welcomes Chancellor's announcement of new charging investment infrastructure fund

PRA 22/11/2017

“We welcome the Chancellors announcement of a new £400 million Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund which is good news for fuel retailers and motorway service areas (MSAs)  - provided they are included in the list of eligible businesses”, comments Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).

This follows a hearing earlier this month at the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill Committee where the PRA was invited to give oral evidence, and called for a government grant for fuel retailers seeking to install electric vehicle charging equipment and for the mandating to be withdrawn.

Madderson continues, “This Bill proposes giving Government to power to mandate the installation of electric vehicle charge points in large fuel retailers and MSAs, but provides no financial assistance to such businesses.

“Today’s Budget has not yet indicated how the fund will be specifically allocated, but indicates the Government is prepared to assist retailers in increasing the uptake of rapid EV charge points.

“The PRA will continue to lobby the Government to encourage fuel retailers to install EV charge points with financial assistance. It is essential that a substantial portion of the Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund is ring-fenced for fuel retailers, in order to make this equipment affordable.

“If the Government insists on mandating EV charging equipment upon retailers and MSAs, they must be prepared share some of the financial burden.”

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Notes to editorS:

Brian Madderson is available for interview.

About the RMI

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.