Friday, November 22, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Charging points installed in St Albans city centre

Fast charging points for electric vehicles have been installed at a St Albans car park.

The initiative is part of St Albans City and District Council’s commitment to cut harmful carbon emissions with three dual charging points, which can be used by up to six vehicles at a time. Drivers pay for the electricity ton their mobile phone by downloading an app. There is no connection or subscription fees and no minimum spend.

The Council intends to install further points once the trial has been completed and analysed. Electric Blue, which is based in St Albans, was appointed to install, maintain and operate the chargers on the council’s behalf.

Councillor Chris White, leader and portfolio holder for climate, environment and transport, said: “As a Council, we are pledged to turn the District carbon neutral by 2030 when the sale of new petrol and diesel driven cars is due to have been banned.

“One issue that is preventing people from switching to electric is a concern that there is not enough public charging points.

“We have promised, despite the pressure on our finances, to create more points for residents and visitors. The chargers here, sited beside the District’s busiest leisure centre and recreational park, is a step in that direction.

“We’ll be examining the success of this pilot project, seeing what lessons need to be learned and hopefully setting up more points in the near future. People want to switch to electric to do their bit for the environment and we must encourage that.”

Electric Blue’s chief executive officer Dan O’Hara said: “Our mission at Electric Blue is to help reduce our collective carbon footprint and improve the air quality in our towns and cities. The installation of more electric charging points is another great step towards a greener and cleaner future.

“We hope that today’s three new dual chargers in the city at Westminster Lodge on top of those we installed in the city last year will encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles and ultimately help deliver cleaner air for everyone in St. Albans.”

*image supplied from council press release

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