More than 40 new electric vehicle chargepoints in residential areas in Norwich
Norfolk's switch to greener motoring will power forward in 2023 with the arrival of 40-plus new kerbside charge points in residential areas across Norwich.
Following a procurement process which attracted a number of high quality bids, Norfolk County Council has today announced that it will award a contract in January which will give drivers in Norwich easier access to re-charge their electric vehicles.
The contract is to install, supply and operate the new chargepoints and is a huge step in achieving what has been set out in the council's Electric Vehicle and Local Transport Plan 4 strategies.
Chargepoints (EVCPs) will be available to all members of the public, helping everyone access the charging infrastructure which is crucial to the transition to electric vehicles, particularly for residents who do not have access to off-street parking - where they could otherwise charge their vehicles.
Visitors, trades people and taxi drivers will also be able to access these chargepoints.
Councillor Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "Norfolk County Council is committed to a greener and cleaner future and we have a leading role to play in reducing our carbon footprint through cutting the dependence on motor transport that runs on fossil fuels.
"We know we can encourage greater use of cleaner, greener electric vehicles by providing the supporting charging infrastructure vital to these ambitions. Due to the rurality of the county there has been a lack of private investment in such infrastructure but the council has played a pivotal role in helping to provide these chargepoints, which will be achieved through external funding and at minimal cost to the taxpayer."
EVCPs will be installed in residential areas of the Nelson, Mancroft, Mile Cross, Sewell, Thorpe Hamlet, Lakenham and Town Close electoral divisions next year - areas data shows as having the greatest need for on-street charging infrastructure.
Funding will come from a third-party supplier and operator along with subsidies from UK Power Networks and the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles' On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme where necessary.
As part of the proposals, on-street parking restrictions adjacent to where EVCPs are installed will be reviewed to ensure that EV drivers are able to access the EVCPs to charge.
It is expected that installations will be installed and available to use by members of the public in summer 2023.