He’s electric! Mayorplugs in for city first

In a first for the city Mayor Maurice Devenney switched from oil-based fuel to electrictity in order to get around town.

He said: “Derry City Council has embraced the future with their work in this project and I have a vested a personal interest in this economic form of transport and was delighted when offered the opportunity to trial it for myself this week.”

The local council has obtained the Mayoral electric car to promote a new electic charging facility throughout Londonderry.

“The city should be proud of the investment this scheme has so far brought to the city, not least the long term benefits to the environment in reducing CO2 emissions,” said the Mayor.

“These vehicles which ideally are powered by electricity from renewable sources are, once the initial investment is made with the purchase of the vehicle, much less expensive to maintain and run and reduce our dependency on the volatile oil industry.

“Recharging at the charging posts took a bit of getting used to at the start of the week but once we figured out how to use it once, we soon got the hang of it,” he added.

Waterside railway station is one of seven electric car charging points now installed in Londonderry. Other charge points rolled out as part of a £850,000 pilot project to improve infrastructure for low emission vehicles are located at Bishop Street, Carlisle Road, Strand Road, Victoria Market, The Diamond and Templemore Sports Complex.

“With the new generation of electric vehicles utilising an electric motor rather than a petrol engine, now more than ever with the focus is on the detrimental health risks attributed to road traffic emissions, the ‘ecar’ system offers an alternative which decarbonises emissions.

“Derry City Council are proud to be working towards the Northern Ireland objectives to reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution by offering this renewable form of transport and the city is doing their bit for climate change,” said the Mayor.

More information on the ecar initiative can be obtained by contacting Leo Strawbridge on 02871 365151, or email [email protected] or by visiting www.nidirect.gov.uk/ecar.