Rollout of electric vehicle charging points to begin

Plans by Gloucestershire County Council to install 1,000 electric vehicle charging points over the next three years are moving forward with the rollout of the first phase.

The first 26 locations around the county have been chosen after letters were sent to residents inviting their feedback.

The locations, along with more information on the rollout, can be found here.

Work on the installation of the first chargepoints will begin at the end of August and further locations are being identified to continue the next phase of the rollout.

We have listened to public feedback and made changes to the proposals in light of responses. For example, to ensure value for money we are installing two twin chargepoints in many locations, so they can charge four EVs. However in areas with the greatest parking pressures we will only mark out two bays for EVs initially, before there is demand to fill four bays.

Some locations have been dropped following the feedback and we are actively looking at alternative sites, such as in Stroud.

The programme is part of the county council’s strategy to tackle the climate emergency, helping Gloucestershire to reduce the impact of transport on our climate and improve local air quality. The scheme is funded by the county council and the Department for Transport’s On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

Greater availability of public chargepoints will make it easier for residents to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

About one third of residential properties in Gloucestershire have no off-street parking for charging an EV at home.

These new chargepoints will be installed in public areas, giving residents greater confidence that they will be able to charge their EV either near their home, whilst working or when out and about in the county. Greater access to public chargepoints is expected to boost the take-up of EVs.

Around one third of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Gloucestershire come from transport and private vehicle use accounts for over half of this (55 per cent). However switching from fossil fuel to electric vehicles has the potential to reduce these figures significantly.

With the government due to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030, the county council plans to roll out its network well ahead of this date to give residents the practical option of choosing to go electric as early as possible.

The county council has appointed Connected Kerb to install and run its network of chargers. Residents can share their views on where they think new charging points should be located by registering their interest here.

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that the rollout for our electric vehicle charging points is about to get under way. Electric vehicles reduce emissions and noise pollution, as well as improving air quality.

“These charging points will help to provide accessible facilities for residents who do not have off-street parking and create a greener Gloucestershire.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “Local communities are the beating heart of the EV transition which is why listening to their feedback on EV charging proposals is so important. Our aim is make EV charging inclusive, reliable and convenient for everyone, particularly residents without a driveway, so all input is invaluable. This is a great project that will encourage further EV uptake and accelerate Gloucestershire’s efforts to tackle climate change.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk