A Perthshire MSP has called for more electric vehicle charge points in the region.
Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said more funding is needed to improve the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Following a recent environmental information (EIR) request by Mr Fraser it has emerged that there are – as of November 4 – 91 charge places in working order in Perth and Kinross.
He said: “It is very commendable for motorists to buy electric cars but in order for more of us to do so we definitely need to see more electric vehicle charging points.
“For instance, I know there were some problems previously encountered in Perth when many of the EV charging points weren’t working.
“We also have to consider the number of tourists who visit Perth and Perthshire and who choose to drive electric vehicles whilst here.
“They will obviously need to use EV charging points so the Scottish Government need to ensure there are sufficient charging points, including some that are available in more remote, rural parts of our country.
“I know the Scottish Government does not own or operate any publicly available EV charge points but they do give funding to local authorities to do so, and they allocated £140,000 to each of Scotland’s 32 Councils in order to ‘support development’ of public EV charging points.”
Mr Fraser said depending on the model of electric car, it is estimated that motorists can expect to drive between 150 to 300 miles (240-483km) before having to recharge their vehicle.
He added: “However, the fact that there are presently just over 200 EV charging points in most of Mid Scotland and Fife concerns me.
“I am therefore calling for more funding to local authorities from the Scottish Government to ensure there are a sufficient number available as we move forwards in the 21st Century.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson pointed to a Draft Implementation Plan, showing how Scotland will help support the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public EV charge points by 2030.
He added: “Since 2011 the Scottish Government has provided over £65 million to support the provision of public EV charging infrastructure. “There are now over 6000 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points across Scotland. On a per head of population basis, Scotland has more public EV charge points than any other part of the UK, except London and more rapid public EV charge points than any other part of the UK.
“Our target of 6000 charge points has been met two years earlier than planned through a combination of Scottish Government funding, increasing private sector investment and local authority planning and leadership.”