Government announces measures to encourage local councils to install electric charging points
Mon 03 January 2011
View all news
The Coalition Government has announced changes in planning regulations which will make it easier for local councils to install charging points for electric vehicles on streets and in outdoor car parks without the need for planning permission.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which issued the announcement said that it wants councils to be at the forefront of an electric car revolution making it easier for drivers to make green choices. They are also urging councils to promote electric vehicle charging points in new developments, without making developments unaffordable.
The changes in planning regulations are intended to support the Government’s promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles through the £5,000 plug-in car grants and the Plugged-in Places programme which aims to provide a critical mass of charge points in key urban centres.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said: "We know people want to buy into the eco friendly car, but they need their politicians to catch up and bring in the infrastructure that makes it a feasible option. That's why we are today urging councils to include charging points in new developments and the Government will relax the need for planning permission for electric charging points on streets, walls and in car parks."
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: "Electric cars have the potential to revolutionise motoring in the 21st Century allowing us to have the benefits of a car without damaging the environment.
ACT TravelWise – the professional organisation for promoting and facilitating sustainable travel choices - welcomed the Government’s announcement.
Rhiân Davies, Managing Director of ACT TravelWise said: “‘encouraging more charging points for electric vehicles quickly as the Government is helping do is great because more charging points means more electric vehicles. We’re also pleased that sustainable travel remains actively encouraged by the guidance, but quality travel planning will be critical within councils to manage changes to car park charging policy, as well as with revised planning for residential development.”
Related Links
< Back to news list