We’ll be going nowhere without electric cars

What is needed now is for Scotland to take the lead on new technology and innovation that will accelerate the growth of electric vehicles and deal with the country’s creaking and ageing infrastructure.

To understand the challenges facing the world, you simply have to look at India as an example of where we are all heading. There are 103 million cars on its roads. The number of new car users is increasing at a pace that road construction can’t keep up with.

Even factoring in recent  figures of slower car sales due to the economy, private car  usage will continue to rise at an alarming rate as India’s burgeoning middle class cries out for a more comfortable rush-hour journey.

The reality facing us all is that failure to act and implement major radical projects will result in far higher  long-term costs – not only to national economies but also to the environment.

Imagine the world in 20 years’ time if there is no significant change to current infrastructure policies. Our roads and rail networks could grind to a halt. It is a fact that is  recognised by those in power.

Brave decisions are needed not only in countries like India but also here. Some will  inevitably fail, but others could flourish, not only helping to solve our global infrastructure crisis but also making Scotland an international leader in green infrastructure policy.

Caroline Jones Carrick,

Project Co-ordinator,  TEV Project, Prestwick