Electric car numbers 20 times higher

Twelve new electric charging points are to be installed across the district to cater for a 20-fold increase in the number of battery-powered cars.

In 2013 just 14 electric vehicles were registered in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whistable, but by last year that number had risen to 273.

Canterbury City Council has now teamed up with wind farm operators Vattenfall and industry experts BMM Energy Solution to install the new charging points as part of a £72,000 project.

Each machine will be capable of charging two cars in reserved bays.

Canterbury City Council leader Simon Cook said: “The installation of these EV charging points is an important first step in the journey to provide the infrastructure that will deliver cleaner air for the district.

“They were one of a raft of measures contained in the Air Quality Action Plan approved by councillors at the end of last year.

“The plan signalled our determination that the council should do everything it can to improve air quality in those areas under its direct control while working with others to encourage them to do the same.

“Our partnership with Vattenfall means motorists driving cleaner and greener electric cars will find life that little bit easier while being powered by renewa- ble energy.”

Three of the charging points will be installed in Pound Lane, St Radigunds and Watling Street car parks in Canterbury and have been funded by a £19,000 grant from the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (Olev).

The other nine, funded by a £53,214 Olev grant and contributions from Vattenfall and BMM, will be installed in North Holmes Road, Westgate Hall Road, Beverley Road, Queens Avenue in Canterbury; Cromwell Road, Sea Street, Gladstone Road and Nelson Road in Whitstable; and Central Parade in Herne Bay.