News
Welsh lag behind in electric car uptake: Scots lead the charge
A NEW survey has shone a light on the varied landscape of electric vehicle adoption across Great Britain. Scots are at the forefront of the eco-friendly revolution, with Wales trailing notably.
Car finance gurus, Carmoola, highlighted an explosive surge in the popularity of Electric and Hybrid vehicles, with one electric vehicle being snapped up every 60 seconds in July. Astonishingly, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations saw a rise by a staggering 87.9% to 23,010.
According to this in-depth study, which surveyed 2,202 individuals from around Great Britain, 5% of Scots now own an electric vehicle as their main mode of transport. In stark contrast, Wales lags considerably behind, with just 1% of those questioned claiming they drive an electric vehicle.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the electric and hybrid vehicle ownership across various regions:
- Scotland: 5% electric, 4% hybrid, 8.9% charging point distribution
- East of England: 4% electric, 6% hybrid, 6.9% charging point distribution
- South East: 3% electric, 5% hybrid, 12.4% charging point distribution
- Wales: 1% electric, 2% hybrid, 4.2% charging point distribution … [Continue with other regions as needed]
Despite their evident growth, electric vehicles still remain in the minority on British roads. Only 3% of respondents drive one as their primary vehicle, and 6% opting for a hybrid.
Infrastructure, too, weaves an interesting tale. The UK boasts over 45,737 public charging points. London, despite housing 31.4% of these chargers, sees only 2% of its denizens driving electric. Surprisingly, many are opting for hybrid models.
The cost remains a significant deterrent for many contemplating the switch. While the initial price tag of electric cars may be on the steeper side, they prove to be more economical in the long haul. For example, charging an electric car on the public network in June 2023 averaged at 49p/kWh. Petrol-driven cars, on the other hand, continue to pinch pockets at £1.44 per litre.
Aidan Rushby of Carmoola opined on the findings, “The future looks promising for electric vehicles. With advancements in battery technology and more streamlined production processes, the costs associated with EVs are set to plummet. While they might currently be more expensive upfront, the long-term savings are palpable. Our survey underlines the fact that the overall cost is a major concern for drivers. Yet, as choices expand with an array of models, there’s bound to be an accelerated adoption of these environmentally friendly alternatives.”
The above statistics were collated by YouGov Plc, with a sample size of 2,272 adults. All findings have been weighted and are reflective of all GB adults (18+ years old). For a more detailed breakdown on the distribution of public UK charging points, readers can consult the Zapmap database.
Crime
Carpenter banned after drug-driving in camper van
Pembroke Dock man was five times over the cannabis limit
A PEMBROKESHIRE carpenter has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel of his camper van while five times over the drug-drive limit.
James Toulouse, 35, was stopped by police shortly before midnight on December 20, 2025, as he drove his white Mercedes Vito along Buttermilk Lane in Pembroke.
“There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and the driver, who was James Toulouse, appeared glazed, as his eyes were red and bleary,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
A roadside drug swipe proved positive. Further tests showed Toulouse had 11mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.
The court heard this was Toulouse’s second drug-driving offence in ten years.
Toulouse, of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving.
He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher, who said the defendant works as a carpenter.
“Obviously it’s not going to be easy for him to carry on with his work, but he’s fully intending to do so,” he said.
Toulouse was disqualified from driving for 36 months. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £140 surcharge.
Crime
Pembroke motorist fined after missing drug assessment
A 27-year-old man told magistrates the appointment had “completely gone out of my mind”
A PEMBROKE motorist has been fined after failing to attend an initial drug assessment following a positive test for a class A drug.
Bradley Bostock, 27, was told to attend the assessment centre in Haverfordwest on December 16, 2025, but failed to do so.
His non-attendance led to his appearance before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23), where he pleaded guilty.
“In all honesty, it completely went out of my mind,” Bostock told the bench.
“I didn’t get out of the cell until three o’clock in the morning, and there was so much going on, I simply forgot. But I’m more than willing to go.”
Bostock, of Corston Cottages, Axton Hill, Pembroke, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.
Crime
Milford man threatened to smash parents’ windows, court hears
A MILFORD HAVEN man who repeatedly asked his parents for alcohol and money has admitted threatening to damage their home.
Christopher Sizer, 38, threatened to smash windows and kick in doors at his parents’ property in Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven, on March 3.
Haverfordwest magistrates heard there had been long-standing issues between Sizer and his parents.
“There have been long-standing issues between the defendant and his parents, and he’s constantly asking them for money,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
“If they don’t give it, then he makes threats. But this is impacting them significantly. It just can’t go on.”
Ms Vaughan said Sizer had arrived at the property initially asking for alcohol.
“He had friends with him and then asked them for pizza, but this was a drain on their finances,” she said.
“It was at this point that he threatened to damage their property with a hammer that was readily available, and naturally they were concerned about that.”
The court was told Sizer’s mother had provided a victim impact statement, saying she and her husband could no longer cope with his behaviour.
“If we don’t give him what he wants, he threatens to kill himself, and if we have a night away he’ll phone me constantly, asking for money,” she said.
“My husband has had to get a night job to get extra money and we’ve also had to take out a loan. We can’t cope with his behaviour any more.”
Sizer, of Precelly Place, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to making threats to damage or destroy property.
Magistrates requested a pre-sentence report from the probation service before sentencing and adjourned the case until July 14.
Sizer was released on conditional bail. He must not enter his parents’ property in Shakespeare Avenue, must not enter the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven, and must not contact his parents by any means, either directly or indirectly.
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