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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

Three Co Tyrone council areas among worst prepared in UK for switch to electric cars

The three district council areas covering Co Tyrone have been named among the least prepared in the UK for the switch to electric vehicles.

Figures collated by comparison site Moneyshake based on Department of Transport statistics showed Fermanagh and Omagh, Mid Ulster and Derry and Strabane to fill three of the four bottom spots in terms of percentage of electric cars on the road.

The UK government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 in an effort to meet its net zero commitments.

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However, the figures show that drivers in the West still have a significant way to go in order to make the switch to electric.

Fermanagh and Omagh had the second lowest percentage of electric cars in the whole of the UK standing at just 0.23%, with the other two Co Tyrone council areas following closely behind.

Mid Ulster also has just 0.23% of its cars registered as electric, while Derry and Strabane sits at just 0.24%.

One issue which has been highlighted as a reason for the lack of willingness of those in the area to purchase electric vehicles is a limited charging infrastructure around the county.

UUP councillor for the Omagh area Matthew Bell says this issue must be addressed if people around the county are to be convinced to make the switch.

"It is concerning that the Fermanagh and Omagh area is the least prepared to make the switch to electrical vehicles with 0.23% of our vehicles being electric," Cllr Bell told MyTyrone.

"A change of attitude and strong commitment needs to be undertaken in order to truly promote electrical vehicle usage across our district.

"Furthermore, EV charging stations need to become more commonplace and accessible in order to make electrical cars more attractive for potential buyers.

"I understand that this problem is understood by the Department of Infrastructure and our council, but steps must be taken to materialise solutions."

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