100 chargepoints to be installed in County Durham

Plans to accelerate the growth of EV charging points across County Durham have been developed by the council to reduce carbon emissions – and assist residents in the transition.

The move aims to assist residents without off-street parking in accessing an electric vehicle charge point within a five-minute walk from their home. The 100 new points will be installing across the county within the next 15 months.

Currently focusing on rural areas, the first stage of the initiative is part of the on-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) which has funded 60 7 to 22kwh electric vehicle charge points in the locality.

The charging points will be installed in car parks and each will be capable of charging two vehicles at once. In December 2020, 37 charge points were installed in Chester-le-Street, Consett, Seaham and Stanley. A further ten are set to be installed in Stanhope as a test area for engagement and convenience for electric vehicle users.

Another 50 charge points will then be delivered in areas across the county in close partnership with parish councils.

Cllr John Clare, climate change champion at the council, said: “We know many residents would like to make the switch to an electric vehicle but cannot due to the logistics of being able to charge their vehicle, particularly in rural areas, which is why we are working to make electric vehicle charge points more widespread across the county.

“Making the switch to an electric vehicle not only creates significant environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions but allows the owner of the vehicle to save money on fuel costs.

“As a council we have pledged to take action to reduce the county’s carbon emissions, and this initiative will help us in our goal by promoting and enabling the practical use of electric vehicles.”

Sign up for our essential
newsletter service.

Enter your details here.