The Stirling site has received more than £1million in funding for their project through Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge fund, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). With this money, the site will be built to contain solar panels, and more than 64 charge points for electric vehicles as well as to power the infrastructure, as well as onsite buildings and street lighting.

There is already a number of sustainable solutions at the site, including:

6 additional rapid (43/50kW) charger points: for those on long journeys needing a quick top up.
18 additional fast (22kW) charger points: for tourists and shoppers topping up over a few hours.
40 additional slow (7kW) charger points: for commuters or those who are leaving cars for long periods of the day.

The collar canopies are connected to a battery with a storage capacity pay of 352kWh, and will provide designated bays for blue badge holders for accessibility, as well as access to rapid and slow chargers.

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “The Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub demonstrates the strength of ambition Stirling Council has in tackling the climate emergency and promoting sustainable travel.

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund have been able to support the upgrades to the park and ride site. Not only does it offer a renewable energy source for electric vehicle charging through its expansive solar canopy – it’s promoting active and sustainable travel options to the city centre, helping to improve local air quality and promote healthier travel choices.

“All of this supports our ambition of phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and Scotland’s world leading commitment of net zero emissions by 2045.”

Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Jim Thomson said: “Castleview Low Carbon Transport Hub will generate roughly 250,000kWh annually, providing commuters, residents and visitors with increased opportunities for active and low carbon travel.

“With the electricity produced being used to power onsite buildings, car park lighting as well as charge vehicles, this is a massive step forward in our aims to meet our climate change targets and encourage more sustainable modes of transport.”