Midlothian Council faces criticism for acquiring a £45,000 Polestar 2 electric car while cutting school transport services, sparking public outrage and debate.
The acquisition of a brand-new Polestar 2 electric vehicle by Midlothian Council has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly as the council grapples with backlash over its recent school transport policy changes.
The £45,000 Polestar 2, a premium electric vehicle manufactured by Swedish company Polestar, was purchased earlier this year to replace a more economical Nissan Leaf.
The new vehicle is intended for use by elected members and senior council officers for official business.
The Controversial Purchase Amidst Budget Cuts
The council’s decision to invest in the high-end electric vehicle has drawn sharp criticism from locals, who view it as an appalling use of taxpayers’ money.
One resident remarked, “It is the type of luxury vehicle many in Midlothian can only dream of owning.”
A spokesperson for Midlothian Council defended the purchase, stating that it was part of a planned programme to replace older council vehicles.
The car was acquired through a national public sector purchasing agreement, securing a significant discount. The spokesperson emphasized that the vehicle is shared among council members and officers for official duties and is not assigned to any single individual.
The School Transport Crisis
The controversy surrounding the Polestar 2 purchase comes at a time when the council is facing severe backlash over its review of the school transport system. Earlier this week, it was revealed that 30 per cent of the 1,900 applications for school bus passes were rejected, reducing the number of supported pupils from 2,300 to around 1,400.
Concerns were also raised about the safety of the alternative walking routes suggested by the council. Some maps directed children across busy roads and through unlit wooded areas, raising alarms among parents and community members.
A spokesperson for Dalkeith High School’s Parent Partnership expressed grave concerns about the impact of these changes. They stated, “Families experiencing social and economic difficulties and pupils with additional support needs are likely to be adversely affected when safe, reliable transport as an essential component in accessing education is removed.” They further warned that the lack of adequate transport could lead to increased truancy, putting vulnerable children at risk and negatively impacting their attendance and academic performance.
The Polestar 2: Features and Specifications
The new Polestar 2 boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of up to 60mph in under four seconds. It features a panoramic roofinterior lighting and heated seats making it a luxurious addition to the council’s fleet. The vehicle was registered in February and is part of the council’s efforts to reduce emissions through the adoption of electric vehicles.
The council’s spokesperson highlighted the environmental benefits of the Polestar 2, noting its longer battery range, which allows for efficient use in council and civic duties while contributing to emission reduction goals.
Earlier this week, the council faced further criticism when several school buses failed to turn up on the first day back at school. This incident exacerbated the frustration and anger among parents already upset by the recent transport changes.
As the debate continues, the council finds itself at the center of a heated discussion about priorities and the responsible use of public funds.
