The UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced that the government will be investing £20 million into electric vehicle chargepoints
Local authorities are being urged to take advantage of the £20 million funding to expand the number of on-street electric vehicle chargepoints in towns and cities across the UK.
Since 2017, more than 140 projects have benefitted from the scheme, which has supported applications for nearly 4,000 chargepoints. This funding could double that, adding nearly 4000 more chargepoints.
Funding for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2022, allowing residents without private parking to reliably charge their vehicle.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“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.”
Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, said:
“The confirmation of £20 million of funding for the ORCS in 2021/22 is great news. 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.”
