TfSE launches electric vehicle charging strategy

Sub-national transport body Transport for the South East (TfSE) has launched its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strategy, which sets out steps to provide sufficient charging points as drivers switch to the use of EVs.

The strategy forecasts up to 28,500 charge points are needed across the TfSE area by 2030 and, alongside an accompanying action plan, has received approval from its Partnership Board earlier this year.

Both documents were developed in partnership and with input from local authorities, distribution network operators, charge point operators and other key stakeholders from across the south east region.

The strategy works alongside the government’s commitment to ban the sale of all petrol and diesel cars by 2030, by facilitating the continued rollout of EV charging infrastructure in an efficient and cohesive manner, through local engagement, leadership and planning. It also aims to realise TfSE’s vision of achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest.

The partners engaged in the strategy development have been able to exchange views and knowledge on key issues, challenges, and opportunities for the rollout across the south east, the body said.

The development of the work has been supported and critiqued throughout by the body’s EV Forum consisting of more than 100 members, including Network Rail and National Highways representatives, Local Transport Authorities, District and Borough authorities as well as many other key stakeholders. 

TfSE was awarded funding by the DfT to carry out a regional assessment of the current status of EV infrastructure and the forecast demand for the south east, and will use this work to support stakeholders and Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) in planning for charging infrastructure, it said. 


Councillor Keith Glazier, Chair of Transport for the South East, said: “The transport sector is the biggest contributor of Co2 emissions in the south east. We need to think and plan smarter as well as greener so we can lead the way on decarbonising our country’s transport network.“Every day more people are making the switch to electric vehicles, which brings us a step closer to achieving net zero emissions.

“Transport for the South East’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy and action plan is an opportunity to prepare for the inevitable future demand as more people make the switch.“This strategy is a big step to support this but must work alongside wider measures to give people an alternative choice to the car, more freight onto rail and better joined up planning of new housing and employment to encourage more sustainable transport choices.”

The Transport + Energy Forum will be offering local authority representatives the opportunity to apply for a fully funded place for the conference in November.

The event, which is taking place on 16th November at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre, brings together over 200 transport and energy leaders, including some of the most compelling speakers from across the sectors to present, debate and discuss the crucial issues around how to work further and faster to accelerate the transition to a decarbonised future.

Qualified representatives from local authorities can apply for a fully funded place via the event website. The offer includes conference admission, accommodation and an evening celebratory/networking dinner, with day options also available. 

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