We support the use of low emission vehicles, in relation to both the beneficial effects on air quality and the growth of high tech industry, including the development of innovative technologies. We are are also in the process of developing an electric vehicle charging policy.
The newly approved Local Plan 2030 includes a policy which will require developers to install infrastructure at each new dwelling, in communal locations for flats, businesses, and at community facilities. We expect the number of charge points is likely to rise to meet future demand.
We will continue to review electric vehicle charging demand and supply in the borough, including infrastructure development, such as provision of electric forecourts, and work with the ULEV community to identify locations which will be convenient and attractive for users. In places where sufficient demand has been demonstrated, we will continue to work with suppliers to provide further charge points; the exact number and locations are yet to be agreed.
Locations
Bedford Borough Council has facilitated the installation of 49 charging points in the Borough. There are 11 rapid chargers (43kW / 50kW), 34 are fast (7kW) and 4 are slow (3kW). (Ultra-chargers are 100+ kWs.) You can view a list of locations here.
Connected Kerb project
Following a successful bid for over £96,000 to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and in partnership with electric vehicle (EV) charging specialist Connected Kerb, we will be installing 30 EV charging points in streets across Bedford.
Electric vehicle charging points will be installed in five different streets across Bedford. These are Russell Avenue near Russell Park, Oaklands Road off Kimbolton Road, Cutcliffe Grove off Bromham Road, Park Road West near Bedford Park, and Victoria Road off Ampthill Road.
The charging points will all be on-street to cater for residents who do not have their own driveways and so are unable to charge at home. The charge points are manufactured in the UK using high volumes of recycled materials.