Councils continue to grow EV charging plans

Blackpool, Shropshire and Warwickshire have announced new electric vehicle (EV) charging plans and fresh infrastructure across their localities.

A rapid charger has been installed in Blackpool as the council develops its EV strategy with the aim of 210 electric vehicle chargers by 2028. To help implement its plan, the council is now currently recruiting for its first ever EV Infrastructure Project Manager, to take advantage of the new government funding, and increase the number of chargers all around the town.

Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Cllr Jane Hugo said: “The government’s funding, along with the research carried out and a dedicated project manager, will ensure that our EV chargers will be located in the most suitable locations for both our residents and visitors to ensure we are offering the necessary facilities to encourage successful uptake of electric vehicles.”

The news comes as drivers in Shropshire have been making the most of electric vehicle (EV) charging points installed by the council across the county. According to the latest data, the number of motorists using the publicly accessible charging points is increasing steadily, with more than 1,100 charging sessions from 400 separate users since February 2023.

The number of charging sessions in April up 80% on use in February, whilst the number of users almost doubled in the same period. Last year a total of £902,940 was awarded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), with support of the Energy Saving Trust, to enable the installation of on-street charge points.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “More EVs are coming to Shropshire’s roads every month and the numbers will continue to grow, further emphasising the need for Shropshire Council to continue with plans to deliver an EV charging infrastructure that meets the needs of residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire County Council has announced more support with charging at home. Close to half of Warwickshire’s housing stock has no off-street parking. In order to address this problem, the county council is allowing residents to place a charging cable across a pedestrian footway, when using a cable protector.

The change is part of a six-month trial and residents must consider public safety and existing legislation when running the cable, and are responsible for any legal liability that arises from the placing of the cable or protector.

At the end of the trial, the Council will use feedback from residents to review its success and use any lessons learned from it to adopt the most appropriate way forward.

Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, said: “This is fantastic news for our residents as we know access to at-home charging for Electric Vehicles is a major barrier for electric vehicle ownership in the County.”

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. 

Image from Shutterstock

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