Local authorities are being urged to take advantage of a £20m cash injection to boost the number of on-street electric vehicle chargepoints.
In a letter to councils across the UK, transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced that funding for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2021/22, to enable residents without private parking to charge their vehicle.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 140 local authority projects have benefitted from the scheme, which has supported applications for nearly 4,000 chargepoints across the UK.
In partnership with Energy Saving Trust, the Department for Transport is jnviting applications from councils which are yet to apply for funding, as well as those that have already benefitted.
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 £20m 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.”
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