Scheme to roll out electric car charge points launched in Gloucestershire

Plans by Gloucestershire County Council to install 1,000 electric vehicle charging points over the next three years have been unveiled.

The first 26 locations for charging points around the county have been chosen after letters were sent to residents inviting their feedback.

Work on the installation of the first chargepoints are under way and further locations are being identified to continue the next phase of the rollout.

The council has listened to public feedback and made changes to the proposals in light of responses.

To ensure value for money the council is installing two twin chargepoints in many locations, so they can charge four EVs.

However in areas with the greatest parking pressures we will only mark out two bays for EVs initially, before there is demand to fill four bays.

Some locations have been dropped following the feedback and the council is actively looking at alternative sites, such as in Stroud.

The programme is part of the county council’s strategy to tackle the climate emergency, helping Gloucestershire to reduce the impact of transport on the climate and improve local air quality.

The scheme is funded by the county council and the Department for Transport’s On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

Greater availability of public chargepoints will make it easier for residents to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

About one third of residential properties in Gloucestershire have no off-street parking for charging an EV at home.

These new chargepoints will be installed in public areas, giving residents greater confidence that they will be able to charge their EV either near their home, whilst working or when out and about in the county. Greater access to public chargepoints is expected to boost the take-up of EVs.

The county council has appointed Connected Kerb to install and run its network of chargers.

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, chief executive 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.”