Bedford Borough Council unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

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Car charging

Bedford Borough Council is committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and has now unveiled its new Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy.

Cllr Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said, “We are seeing a significant shift towards electric vehicles, and it’s crucial that we have the infrastructure in place to support this change.

“This strategy outlines our plan to install new chargepoints across the borough, particularly in areas where residents lack off-street parking, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make the switch to a cleaner, greener way to travel.”

Key Points of the Strategy:

  • Investment: The strategy is funded by a £1 million grant from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund.
  • Focus on accessibility: New chargepoints will be installed in areas with limited off-street parking, ensuring residents without driveways can conveniently charge their EVs.
  • Community engagement: The Council will work closely with residents to determine the exact locations of the new chargepoints, minimising disruption and maximising accessibility.
  • Enforcement: Dedicated bays for EV charging will be protected by Traffic Regulation Orders to ensure they are not blocked by non-charging vehicles.
  • Building on existing infrastructure: The Council will expand upon its existing network of chargepoints currently available in the main urban area.

Next Steps:

  • Procurement of a chargepoint operator is due to begin by February 2025.
  • The Council will continue to engage with communities to determine specific chargepoint locations.

This strategy is a significant step forward in Bedford Borough Council's commitment to a sustainable future. By providing accessible charging solutions, the Council aims to remove a key barrier to EV adoption and encourage residents to make the switch to cleaner transportation options.

The strategy was developed alongside consultation on EV and a wider public consultation. These consultations helped to select areas to be served, set tougher requirements for the performance management of new chargepoints, and for the council to understand what information residents need to know about EV charging.

For more information on the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and electric vehicle ownership in Bedford Borough, please visit the Council's website: www.bedford.gov.uk/ElectricVehicles 

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