Justin Tomlinson MP today joined South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, Swindon Mayor Cllr Mick Bray, Forward Swindon, Honda and key representatives from the world of hydrogen fuel at a showcase of Swindon's role in this future fuel.
With the only open access hydrogen refuelling station in the UK, Swindon was one of the key stops in the UK on the European Hydrogen Road Tour. The tour started in Hamburg three weeks ago, passing through Germany, Italy and included the Paris Motor Show on the way to the UK. After stopping off in Swindon, the Tour headed on towards its final destination in Denmark.
The tour is designed to demonstrated the viability and range of modern hydrogen powered cars, with a number of different models taking part, including the Honda Clarity. There was also the opportunity to drive the cars, with Justin and Robert taking the Honda for a spin to Highworth and back.
Justin Tomlinson MP said "This just goes to show that in the true history of our town, Swindon is once again at the forefront of a transport revolution. Once upon a time it was Brunel and the engineering feat that was the Great Western Railway. Today, it is hydrogen fuel as a viable alternative to oil in powering our everyday lives.
"Oil supplies are depleating and the price of oil will only travel in one direction as resources dwindle. It is vital to the long term security of our oil-based economy that we find the alternative that will power the vehicles of the future. Hydrogen is one such alternative and I am delighted that it is Swindon that is leading the way in the infrastructure that will make mass roll-out of this technology into the domestic market possible."
You can see a short video about the event and a quick interview with Justin here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VolUMOVgEZQ