BVRLA launches charging support for councils
A campaign has been launched by the BVRLA to support local authorities in developing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strategies.
The move, which will see a pool of resources and guidance made available, includes encouraging local authorities to sign its fleet friendly EV charging pledge to show commitment to the cleaner transport.
To ensure development of a network that works for all, the trade association is calling on industry professionals to make contact with their local authority, and check progress through the fleet friendly charging index.
The fleet friendly charging pledge, which was launched recently at the LGA Conference, calls for councils to consider fleet operators in their charging strategies, engage with the sector on requirements, and provide fleet-focused charging information.
At a panel discussion on the issue held at the conference, local authorities heard how the requirements of road users differ when it comes to EV charging, highlighting how and where the industry is well placed to support LAs in addressing those needs.
Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, said: “The race to decarbonise our road transport will be won or lost at a local level. Authorities are being asked to spearhead new public charging infrastructure strategies, but most of them are under-resourced, under-funded and dealing with a host of competing transport priorities.
“The Government’s LEVI funding is hugely important, but policymakers also need support in understanding the needs of different fleet users, whether it is those based locally or those travelling through. Fleets are setting the pace when it comes to decarbonisation and will likely be the biggest early users of any new public infrastructure.
“We are encouraging our local authority colleagues to consider fleet charging requirements, engage with operators at a local level and then support them where possible.”
Image courtesy of BVRLA
