
Exclusive: Minister talks electric cars, charging networks and... pot holes
Government minister Lilian Greenwood MP joins The Independent to talk all things electric cars - from charging networks to her own personal experiences having driven them.
The Minister for Future of Roads climbed into a British-built Nissan Leaf and ran through what the government is doing to promote electric vehicle usage in the UK.
And, of course, what more important to the future of Britain's roads than... Ms Greenwood's thoughts on pot holes?
Watch more from Drive Smart on Independent TV.
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North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
Shoppers happy to drive 144 miles and queue seven hours for a bargain
We are a nation obsessed with a great deal, with almost three quarters saying bargain hunting is an essential part of British culture, according to research from Three. 98% saying they feel 'on top of the world' after securing a saving, while more than half 58% report it can 'make their whole week'. People say they are not afraid to queue for seven hours to get their hands on a bargain. With almost a third admitting they have driven to an entirely different area, an average of 144 miles, or woken up in the early hours just to get a deal. Brits also confessed to leaving work early, bailing on friends and even sneaking out of a date early to take advantage of a super saving. For many, deal-seeking is almost a full-time job, with the nation spending on average 52 hours each week hunting for ways to save. Andrew Foy, Director of New Products and Propositions at Three UK, said: "We know our customers love a good deal. Last year our savvy customers saved up to £335 each, thanks to our Three+ app. Whether it's treating the family to a meal or getting a £1 fancy coffee to go."

Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Government makes driveway law change set to affect millions
No more planning applications are needed for EV charging point installations as the government cuts red tape. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, announced drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets. EV owners will be able to unlock savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car. 🇬🇧 Great to visit @astonmartin yesterday — where British engineering meets world-class innovation. 🚗 Took the DBX707 for a spin 🌍 UK trade deals with 🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇮🇳 to safeguard 150,000 jobs in auto & steel 🔋 £2.3bn Govt boost to power the switch to EVs The planning changes also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, meaning businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less money, increasing the number of public chargepoints. Ms Greenwood said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution, so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from, and less red tape to deal with." Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: "Making it easier to install both public and private charging infrastructure is essential to helping more drivers switch to electric." She warned "further action is needed" as "drivers without driveways still face barriers to affordable, convenient charging". Recommended reading: She added: "We urge the Government to increase its support of the rollout of cross-pavement charging and extend legal rights to tenants and leaseholders, so all drivers can access and benefit from cheaper and more convenient charging." Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, believes "removing the planning rules" will help "accelerate installations". He further added: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which? said it is "an important step in the right direction".


Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Shoppers happy to drive 144 miles and queue seven hours for a bargain
Shoppers happy to drive 144 miles and queue seven hours for a bargain People say they are happy to ditch work - and a date - to get a good deal We are a nation obsessed with a great deal, with almost three quarters saying bargain hunting is an essential part of British culture, according to research from Three. 98% saying they feel 'on top of the world' after securing a saving, while more than half 58% report it can 'make their whole week'. People say they are not afraid to queue for seven hours to get their hands on a bargain. With almost a third admitting they have driven to an entirely different area, an average of 144 miles, or woken up in the early hours just to get a deal. Brits also confessed to leaving work early, bailing on friends and even sneaking out of a date early to take advantage of a super saving. Article continues below For many, deal-seeking is almost a full-time job, with the nation spending on average 52 hours each week hunting for ways to save. Andrew Foy, Director of New Products and Propositions at Three UK, said: "We know our customers love a good deal. Last year our savvy customers saved up to £335 each, thanks to our Three+ app. Whether it's treating the family to a meal or getting a £1 fancy coffee to go."