LETTER OF THE WEEK

Peasants’ revolt

I realise I live within sight of the frozen north (where I was born) here in the West Midlands, but can anyone explain – or rather justify – the explosion of electric charging points in the London area compared with elsewhere in the UK (News, 7 August)?

Our national hub has the only effective public transport system anywhere in the UK, underpinned by huge inputs of cash from central government. Why does anyone in the glorious metropolis have a need for an electric horseless carriage (I hope I’m keeping up with the right terminology; our wireless telegraphy news service here can be sporadic) with such an integrated underground, rail and bus network to transport everyone about?

The rest of the population (presumably regarded as undeserving peasants) in the far reaches of the UK can only gaze in envy as our local bus services are decimated, our rail services are crippled with substandard rolling stock and our potholes grow in size and number.

This while London’s new Elizabeth line gets its clearly critically needed 4G/5G data service underground for the average 10-minute journey time as many parts of the UK struggle on with a less than patchy 3G service (which is being switched off). Our need for EV charging infrastructure is obviously much less than London’s and presumably less profitable or vote-worthy for the movers and shakers.

An equitable distribution of scarce – and about to become scarcer – resources to the whole population? It really doesn’t feel like it.

Frank Sturzaker

West Midlands