£20m funding boost for on-street charge points

The Transport Secretary has announced £20 million funding to increase the number of electric vehicle on-street chargepoints, and is urging local councils to take advantage of the scheme.

In a letter to councils across Britain, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that funding for the On-Street Residential Charge point Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2021/22, allowing residents without private parking to charge their vehicle.

This funding boost could double the amount already installed from the scheme, adding nearly 4,000 more charge points in our towns and cities.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "From Cumbria to Cornwall, drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now.

"With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener."

Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: "The confirmation of £20 million of funding for the ORCS in 2021/22 is great news. This funding will allow local authorities to install convenient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure for those who rely on on-street parking. This helps to support the fair transition to the increased adoption of low carbon transport.

"We’re therefore encouraging local authorities to access this funding as part of their plans to decarbonise transport and improve local air quality."

^{Image shows ubitricity charging network}