Two local authorities have continued their investment in public charging facilities, following successful bids for government funding.
Shropshire Council and the Wealden District Council have unveiled their plans to install new points after cash has been provided from central government.
Preparations are being made for new electric vehicle (EVs) charging points to be installed in Shropshire Council-run car parks at five locations across the county – while Wealden DC has new chargers at an initial eight car park sites.
A total of £902,940 has been awarded to Shropshire for the roll-out with a 271 new on-street points due to be created across 40 locations. Wealden has received some £157,000 to continue its roll-out.
The grant money will be used in towns expected to have the largest number of plug-in vehicles on their roads, and the installations will move Shropshire from 65th out of 375 council areas for the number of public charge points available, to 11th place.
Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “It’s great to see more sustainable transport becoming more and more widespread in the county. It’s so important we have EV chargers that are accessible to everyone and not only those people with off-road parking such as driveways or garages.”
Councillor Pam Doodes, the council’s lead member for Climate Change at Wealden DC, said: “This is exciting and I am delighted we have received this substantial amount of grant funding which will help us deliver the first phase of electric vehicle charging in our car parks.
“Enabling more people to easily recharge their electrical vehicles will be a significant step along the way to achieving our goal of reducing carbon emissions across the district.”
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
