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Plans to establish a Speyside Low Carbon car charging hub in the heart of Moray’s Speyside have been given an £810,000 boost.
The project has been awarded the cash from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge project, and from Transport Scotland.
The project will fund an upgrade of the Speyside Way path from Craigellachie to Carron, with Aberlour as the focal point. This will make the path fit for purpose for cycling, and provide a safe direct route linking communities away from the busy A95 trunk road.
At Aberlour two rapid charger will be installed, one of which will be dedicated for charging public transport buses. A fast charger is also included for the dedicated use of the local car club to promote car and e-bike use by its members in the Speyside area.
The hub will also include open cycle storage and bike repair stations at strategic points on the Speyside Way. These will be located close to vehicle parking places to encourage park-and-ride for those not confident to undertake longer journeys by bicycle.”
Combining these elements together and focussing them on Aberlour gives the whole community a high-profile range of options for changing to low carbon and active travel for everyday journeys.
Leader of Moray Council and Chair of the Economic Development & Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said: “Developing sustainable transport options is important for people right across Moray, and it is essential that investment is made in our rural areas where people want to be able to use their bikes and to walk in a safe environment.
“The investment to upgrade this section of the Speyside Way and provide a range of cycle storage and other facilities will have significant benefits for the local community and for visitors to the area.
“In addition the investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, including the use of an electric bus is a clear recognition of the rapidly growing use of electric and hybrid vehicles. This is an important investment in Speyside.”