Local authorities are being urged to take advantage of a £20 million cash injection to boost the number of on-street electric vehicle chargepoints in towns and cities across the UK.
In a letter to councils across Britain, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that funding for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme will continue into 2021/22, allowing residents without private parking to charge their vehicle reliably.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented on the announcement: “From Cumbria to Cornwall, drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now.
“With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.”
Since its inception in 2017, more than 140 local authority projects have benefitted from the scheme, which has supported applications for nearly 4,000 chargepoints across the UK.
This funding boost could double that, adding nearly 4000 more chargepoints in towns and cities.
In partnership with Energy Saving Trust, the Department for Transport is welcoming applications from councils which are yet to apply for funding, as well as those that have already benefitted.
Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, added: “This funding will allow local authorities to install convenient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure for those who rely on on-street parking.
“This helps to support the fair transition to the increased adoption of low carbon transport.
“We’re therefore encouraging local authorities to access this funding as part of their plans to decarbonise transport and improve local air quality.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Ten Point Plan set out ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and transforming the national infrastructure to better support electric vehicles, backed by a total of £2.8 billion.
Of this funding, £1.3 billion is set to be invested in charging infrastructure over the next four years.
More information about the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme and how to apply is available on the government website.
