Gloucestershire begins electric vehicle charging roll-out
Plans by Gloucestershire County Council to install 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points over the next three years have begun with the rollout of the first phase.
The first 26 locations around the county have been chosen after letters were sent to residents inviting their feedback. Work on the installation of the first charge points began at the end of August with further locations identified to continue the next phase of the rollout, the local authority said. The county council has appointed Connected Kerb to install and run its network of chargers.
Following feedback, the council is installing two twin chargepoints in many locations, to charge up to four EVs, but in areas with the greatest parking pressures, it will only mark out two bays, before demand increases, it said.
Some locations have been dropped following the feedback and the council are actively looking at alternative sites, such as in Stroud, it said.
The scheme is funded by the county council and the Department for Transport’s On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).
At present, about one third of residential properties in Gloucestershire have no off-street parking for charging an EV at home, with the new points giving residents greater confidence that they will be able to charge their EV either near their home.
Around one third of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Gloucestershire come from transport and private vehicle use accounts for over half of this (55 per cent).
Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that the rollout for our electric vehicle charging points is about to get under way. Electric vehicles reduce emissions and noise pollution, as well as improving air quality.
“These charging points will help to provide accessible facilities for residents who do not have off-street parking and create a greener Gloucestershire.”
Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “Local communities are the beating heart of the EV transition which is why listening to their feedback on EV charging proposals is so important. Our aim is make EV charging inclusive, reliable and convenient for everyone, particularly residents without a driveway, so all input is invaluable. This is a great project that will encourage further EV uptake and accelerate Gloucestershire’s efforts to tackle climate change.”
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