Sixteen new electric charging points to support climate change challenge

New electric charging points announced to add to growing electric vehicle charging network

Braintree District Council has announced 16 new dual electric charging points will be installed in four locations by the end of March 2021 serving 32 vehicles.  

At a meeting of Full Council last night (Monday February 22), Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place, announced the council has been successful in bidding for funding towards the charging points from The Office for Low Emission Vehicles.  

The £129,000 funding will mean new charging points will soon be up and running at three locations in Witham (White Horse Lane Car Park, Newlands Drive and Mill Lane Car Park). It will also see a charging point installed at Braintree train station.  

They join the established charging points already owned by the council located at George Yard, Causeway House, Braintree Enterprise Centre, Braintree Swimming and Fitness in Braintree, Halstead Leisure Centre and Witham Leisure Centre.  

The district welcomed GRIDSERVE in December 2020 when it opened the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree giving residents and businesses a great foundation when it comes to electric vehicle charging.  

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place, said: “Electric vehicle infrastructure is so important to give residents the confidence to make sustainable transport choices as we all work towards reducing emissions. Our district has a growing electric vehicle charging network which we will continue to improve.  

“Our approved budget is one in which half a million pounds has been earmarked for future climate change initiatives such as this. Bouncing back greener from this pandemic is something which is important to us and our community.”  

The investment underpins actions identified through the council’s draft Climate Change Strategy due to be discussed by Council on 15th March 2021. The draft strategy has been developed with the support of a working group, representing businesses, residents and community organisations across the district.  

Braintree District Council declared a Climate Change Emergency in July 2019 and announced a target to be carbon neutral as a Council as far as practical by 2030, as well as supporting our communities to reduce the impacts of climate change across the Braintree District.  

  

Published: 23rd February 2021