Boris Johnson has been accused of “backtracking” on a commitment to create Europe’s electric car capital after announcing plans to sell the electric vehicle charging network to the private sector.
The Mayor has already been criticised for drastically reducing his targets for the number of charging points.
He originally announced plans to install of 7,500 charging points by the end of 2013, but later cut that target to just 1,300.
On Thursday Transport for London said the revised lower target had now been met, but also announced the 1,300 charging points would be sold off to a private bidder.
TfL is inviting bids to take over operation of the Source London charging network from next summer after its sponsorship deal with Siemens ends.
John Mason, TfL Director for Source London, said: “Having ‘pump-primed’ the market, we are now seeking a private sector operator who can continue to develop the market, and work to ensure a long term future for a sustainable charging network that is compatible with other schemes across the country.”
The decision to sell off the network has been criticised by London Assembly Member Darren Johnson, who accused the Mayor of “backtracking on his grand plans to make London the electric car capital of Europe and quietly sidelining the project by hiving it off to the private sector.”
Mr Johnson, who represents the Green party on the Assembly, did however welcome news that TfL would trial two electric buses, the first time such a vehicle has been used to carry passengers in the capital.
