SPD recalls motion “Masterplan Elektromobilität” (electromobility master plan)
The SPD parliamentary group writes on the subject of electromobility:
Currently, politicians in Rheine are discussing the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. “The city of Rheine must become much more ambitious in implementing measures, otherwise we will not easily achieve this goal by 2030,” emphasised SPD parliamentary group leader and state parliament candidate Dominik Bems (photo). Almost 20 per cent of CO2 emissions are due to road traffic. In addition to strengthening walking and cycling as well as local public transport, electric mobility is one of the most important building blocks in the transport turnaround towards more climate-friendly mobility. “The people of Rhineland will continue to rely on their cars to a considerable extent in the future. Only a part of them will be able to switch to buses and trains. Especially in a rural region like around Rheine, many will continue to need the car on their way to work or shopping,” Bems continues. “Electric mobility is the decisive solution here,” says SPD councillor and member of the Committee for Urban Development, Environment and Climate Protection (StUK) Volker Brauer. “Already a year ago, we as the SPD parliamentary group therefore requested an electromobility offensive or the electromobility master plan. Unfortunately, not much has happened since then.
With the motion, the SPD parliamentary group wanted to accelerate the expansion of the charging infrastructure and the creation of offers for e-car sharing. “Rheine is too slow in expanding the charging infrastructure,” explained SPD councillor Andre Schaper, a member of the building and mobility committee. The establishment of the construction site car park for the hotel construction at the old Hertie site will also eliminate the only charging station accessible to the public without a barrier at the Köpi car park. “It is precisely parking spaces where no parking fees are charged during the charging process that are attractive for locals and foreigners who come to our Emsstadt to shop,” says Bernhard Kleene, spokesman for construction and mobility. A good charging infrastructure in the city centre could thus also mean a promotion for retail and gastronomy. Not all charging stations in Rheine have an identification number that can be used to activate the stations via an app or a service telephone number if a station is out of operation.
“Other regulations have also been in force since this year: It should be possible to pay by credit or debit card at new charging stations. Payment options via app would also be desirable to further simplify charging options. Here, too, we need to arrive more in the 21st century,” SPD councillor Volker Brauer made clear once again. The SPD parliamentary group also sees a need for action in the electrification of the city bus. The Social Democrats renew their demand for a faster expansion of electromobility. “Rheine is currently far from leading the way in this area and needs to catch up with other municipalities,” concludes Bems. Therefore, the SPD parliamentary group will again refer to its motion in the relevant committees and insist on faster implementation.