149th Open to deliver electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Dover

Thanks to a collaboration between The R&A, Dover District Council (DDC), Kent County Council (KCC), and electric vehicle (EV) charging solution provider, Connected Kerb, with funding from the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), a total of 49 charging points are being installed at 18 locations across Sandwich, Deal and Dover.

Dover District Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan sets out plans for the Council to be net zero by 2030.

Kent County Council’s strategic plan also seeks to achieve carbon neutrality in Kent by 2050. The Council is inviting Parish and Town Councils and Village Hall Associations to put forward locations for electric vehicle charging points for installation in 2021/22.

At Royal St George’s, Mercedes-Benz will provide fully-electric vehicles from Mercedes-EQ, which will be part of the official courtesy car fleet. The EVs featured at The Open will come from Mercedes-Benz’s new EQ portfolio for electric intelligence.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “We’re proud to host The Open and to be working with The R&A to deliver a sustainable championship. It’s the perfect platform to showcase to a global audience our joint commitment to tackling climate change.

“The 149th Open at Royal St George’s will leave a lasting legacy on which we can build a more sustainable future across the Dover district.”

Rhodri Price, Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “The Open is one of the world’s foremost sporting events and we work closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we meet our responsibilities to the environment and act in a sustainable manner.

“The installation of new charging infrastructure for the region will provide long-lasting benefits to electric vehicle users who are living, working, or travelling in Kent.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Tony Hills, said: “We are delighted that a large number of EV chargers are being installed in the area to support the event and the local communities for many years to come.

“It complements the EV charging projects being implemented across the county and will give businesses and the public more confidence that they too can make the switch to electric vehicles.”

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean, said: “As we look to reduce carbon emissions and strive towards our net-zero goals, I’m delighted to see such positive steps being taken to electrify such an iconic sporting event in the Dover district. Together with government, Kent County Council and their partners are delivering a charging network fit for the future, as we build back better and encourage drivers to make the switch.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “This is a really important and exciting collaboration that we are proud to be involved with. We see it as an exemplary project that showcases how the public and private sectors can come together to champion our environment and support local communities.”

Image: courtesy The R&A

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