London must follow Paris in electric car revolution - Pidgeon

12.00.00am GMT Mon 2nd Mar 2009

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, following her questions to the Mayor when he committed to look at an electric car hire scheme similar to the scheme that exists in Paris said:

"It is great news that Boris Johnson is at least saying the right things on this issue. London really must follow Paris in adopting a public electric car hire scheme.

"The Mayor of London must use all his clout to create a London electric car hire scheme. Electric vehicles should become the norm, rather than the exception across London. A tipping point on the use of electric cars now needs to be reached and only the Mayor can make sure it happens as quickly as possible.

"Such a scheme would bring huge benefits and especially make a real contribution to tackling London's appalling air quality, which leads to the premature death of over 1,000 Londoners each year."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Caroline Pidgeon, who is also vice chair of the London Assembly Transport committee, questioned the Mayor of London about his plans for an electric car hire scheme at Mayor's Question Time on Wednesday 25th February. The question and reply from the Mayor can be accessed at http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/index.jsp. Caroline Pidgeon's questioning started at 49.48 minutes.