News

Welsh lag behind in electric car uptake: Scots lead the charge

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2023

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.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.