Drive on to go electric

PLUG and go: Councillor David Hibbert (right) with chairman of Transport for Greater Manchester Andrew Fender

Oldham helping to lead transport revolution
OLDHAM is preparing to plug in and lead the charge towards Greater Manchester’s transport revolution.

The civic centre and Hobson Street car parks will soon have charging bays for electric cars, with seven others locations to follow in July.

Work is also expected to start soon on developing the former Roxy Cinema site in Hollinwood into a one-stop shop for electric vehicles — one the first of its kind in the country.

Transport for Greater Manchester hailed the launch of the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle scheme at Manchester Central yesterday.

Oldham Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “Together with the completion of Metrolink, Oldham is truly on the transport map.”

Roxy site developers Manchester Electric Car Company are one of several investors behind the scheme.

Chief executive Ron Stratton said: “We’re about 18 months behind but that is largely due to the economic climate. But things have taken a dramatic upturn and we hope to start work within six months.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and vice-chairman of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: “We are launching a charging network right across Greater Manchester. The take-up of electric vehicles will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution and create a better environment for residents and visitors.”