The partnership project with the UK’s leading public EV charging providers will see 310 lamp post EV charge points installed across Redbridge with feedback from local people helping determine the locations of the on-street charge points.
Funded through the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) and ubitricity, the project further develops the borough’s already expanding EV infrastructure, helping support local people to adopt more sustainable and greener travel choices.
The increased number of on-street charging points will give local people without the ability to charge on a driveway the confidence to make the switch to electric, knowing they can easily charge an EV using the growing number of public charging points available across Redbridge.
Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “We want to make sure our borough is clean and green now and for future generations. By making it as easy as possible for our neighbours to make the switch to electric vehicles, with 310 new on-street charge points coming to Redbridge, together we can improve local air quality and reduce the impact of climate change.”
Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: “This is another big step towards ensuring we have the proper infrastructure in place to ensure there are no barriers to people using electric vehicles. We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. Using greener and more sustainable transport to get around our local area is one way in which we can reduce our carbon footprint on the borough and play our part in tackling the climate crisis for a greener and healthier Redbridge.”
The first tranche of the 310 charge points is set to be rolled out within the next few months.
Toby Butler, Ubitricity UK Managing Director, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Redbridge Council and contribute to the expansion of their EV infrastructure with the installation of over 300 new on-street charge points. At ubitricity, we are dedicated to facilitating the transition to greener transport options, and this project with Redbridge Council is a testament to our commitment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local community and the environment."
Michael Sharkey, Senior Technical Manager for Siemens plc, said “We are delighted to build on the work already done by Redbridge Council to increase on-street charging points to help residents who would be unable to charge their EVs at home. Importantly this adds another 310 chargers to the more than 6,500 already installed and maintained by Siemens across London.”
Transport was identified as one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in Redbridge, making it one of the council’s key areas for action in tackling climate change and creating a cleaner, and greener Redbridge for local people.
Poor air quality is a contributing factor for asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and reduced lung function. Reductions in air pollution (specifically NO2) are projected to have significant health and cost-saving benefits.
By switching to an electric vehicle, drivers are not only lowering their carbon footprint and helping the environment, but also helping improve air quality in the borough.
