Gloucestershire County Council has revealed the first locations in the county where it will be installing new electric vehicle charging points.
Residents were asked for feedback on the proposals to help the council identify the best locations for the chargepoints, with the first 26 locations now confirmed — including streets in Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham, Cinderford, Cirencester, Fairford, Gloucester, Lydney, Mitcheldean, Newent, Tewkesbury and Winchcombe.
The council plans to install two twin chargepoints, capable of charging four EVs at a time, at most locations, except areas with the highest demand for parking, where only one twin chargepoint will be installed until demand increases.
Notably, there are no locations currently in Stroud. The council dropped some of its proposed locations following public feedback and is actively seeking alternative sites in the area.
The new chargepoints are part of the council's strategy to tackle the climate emergency in the county, encouraging drivers in Gloucestershire to switch to EVs to reduce their impact on the environment and local air quality, with funding being provided by the Department for Transport's On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).
Approximately one third of CO2 emissions in the county come from transport, with private vehicles accounting for 55 per cent of this figure; but around a third of homes in Gloucestershire currently have no off-street parking so are unable to install an EV chargepoint at home.
With more access to on-street chargepoints in public areas, the council hopes more people will make the switch to an electric vehicle — and is working to ensure the network of chargepoints is well established before the government bans the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in 2030.
Councillor 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 underway. 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.'
Gloucestershire County Council has appointed Connected Kerb to install and run the network of chargers.
Connected Kerb's CEO, Chris Pateman-Jones, added: '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.'
Installation work on the new chargepoints is due to begin at the end of August 2023 with further locations to be revealed in the next phase of the rollout.
For more information, or to suggest a new chargepoint location in the county, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk.
