New charging points are to be installed across Bedford Borough to help drivers make the switch to greener Electric Vehicles (EV).
Bedford Borough Council has teamed up with EV provider Connected Kerb to install new EV charging points in areas without off-street parking, starting with an initial installation of 260 sockets across Bedford, Kempston and many other villages in the Borough.
The new EV charging points are funded from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.
Connected Kerb will install, maintain and manage the EV charging points network on behalf of the Council’s Highways Engineering team.
The Department for Transport’s (DfT) Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has provided councils nationally with LEVI funding to support the investment and installation of EV charging points, supporting less dependency on global oil supplies and improving air quality in the UK.
Through this investment, Bedford Borough Council will increase its network of EV charging points with an additional proposed 900-plus sockets to meet the growing demand for EV charge points for local residents and visitors to the Borough. This increased availability of charging facilities will also encourage drivers who are thinking of switching to a greener vehicle.
Residents who live in areas earmarked for EV installation will be notified in advance by the Council.
Cllr Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment said; “This is a real step change to make the transition from traditional cars to EVs an easier one. Making use of the LEVI funding is one of the ways we as a Council are helping residents feel confident in making the switch to EVs. Our collaboration with Connected Kerb will ensure that all our communities benefit, both urban and rural.
“Our officers have worked to get this project set up against a challenging background of changing legislation and technical requirements in order to get the funding for this activity, and the contract was finalised and confirmed in early July. We are one of the first tranche of councils in the country to have got this far, so this is a big win for Bedford Borough.
“We know that EVs are a growing part of the car market share – and as they are not producing exhaust emissions, they are better for local air quality and generally better for the environment, making this a great place to visit, work and live in.”
Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb added; “The future of transport isn't arriving at some point down the road, it's already here. The challenge now is making sure the infrastructure keeps pace. That's exactly what this partnership with Bedford Borough Council is doing.
“By expanding access to EV charging across the Borough, we're helping more residents make the switch to electric with confidence. Bedford is showing real ambition in preparing for the next generation of transport, and we're proud to be part of that journey.”
For more information about EV charging in Bedford Borough, go to https://www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-bedford-borough/electric-vehicle-chargepoints
To find out more about Connected Kerb, click here.