This summer, a new project will be launched envisioning the installation of over 300 charging points across the West of England region, including 187 in Bristol.
Plans for Bristol include eleven community charging points, situated in quiet off-street parking areas; 26 destination charging points at locations such as train stations, shopping centres, cinemas, or hotels; and 150 residential street charging points, either mounted on lampposts or on the pavement where wide enough or installed on the roadway.
During a cabinet meeting, Labour Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member for housing and energy services, remarked, “Rollout will commence in the summer and will focus on community charging hubs, destination charging at places like supermarkets, and street residential.”
“The investment will mean more residents opt for electric vehicles,” he added.
Implementation will run until March 2026 and is expected to cost 4.9 million pounds, financed from the combined authority’s green recovery fund.
Transport chiefs at Bristol City Council hope the investment will boost confidence that drivers can easily find a place to recharge and encourage more people to switch from petrol or diesel to electric mobility.
Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, commented, “Electric vehicles will be part of the solution, but we recognize there are also some downsides in an urban context, such as particles and congestion, for example. We support this, but we are very aware of the needs of people with disabilities and the need to keep the sidewalks clear for those who cannot move.
“I have seen one or two examples on social media where charging points have been installed in a way that doesn’t recognize the needs of wheelchair users. That won’t happen here.”
Source: bristolpost.co
