Electric car chargers to be installed at car parks
ELECTRIC vehicle charging points will be available from this spring in Hinckley in two council-run car parks.
Works will shortly begin to install 24 units, with 12 each in the Lower Bond Street and Castle (Hill Street) car parks, thanks to funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The total cost of the project is £98,000, with the OLEV contributing £70,000 while the rest has come from developer contributions.
The scheme aims to help meet the expected rise in demand for electric vehicles, from around 250,000 at present to six million on the road by 2030.
While many electric vehicle users charge their cars at home, it is hoped the facilities will provide charging points for those without off-street parking. Planners also expect the chargers to be used by workers and visitors.
Councillor Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “The introduction of electric charging points in the borough was an election promise and I am delighted to launch this new initiative, which will see 24 electric vehicle charge points introduced to two main car
This is just the first step on the council’s path towards delivering our new ‘greener’ agenda Council leader Stuart bray
parks
“This is just the first step on the council’s path towards delivering our new ‘greener’ agenda.
“We know demand will only increase for these charge points and we are looking to introduce more on council car parks across the borough where we know residents will find it difficult to charge at home, in
Hinckley. and when more funding becomes available.” The charging points will be provided by Pod Point, who have a mobile app for taking payment and with details of other charging points across the country.
Surveys are under way to determine the suitability of rural car parks in the borough, in anticipation of further funding becoming available.
In July 2019, the council declared a climate emergency, setting a goal
for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2030.
The authority is also working to expand the boundary of the National Forest south into more parts of Hinckley and Bosworth.
Council bosses have committed to identifying grants and funding sources to pay for the land and resources needed to increase tree coverage, plus cover the costs of planting and the legal framework required.