FIVEFOLD INCREASE IN ELECTRIC CAR CHARGERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT 'INEVITABLE FUTURE DEMAND'
A new initiative has been launched in a bid to improve the number of electric vehicle charging stations in the South East of England.
Transport for South East (TfSE) unveiled the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy which aims to provide a sufficient infrastructure for motorists in the area.
The strategy forecasts that up to 28,500 charge points are needed across the TfSE area by 2030 - a staggering increase compared to current levels.
Launched this week, the strategy looks to work alongside the Government's aim to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by the end of the decade.
It also aligns itself with the central Government goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
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According to Zapmap data, the South East of England has 12.6 percent of the UK's total EV market share with 5,346 charging points.
Only Greater London has more, with 31.6 percent of the UK's total and an impressive 13,426 chargers.
The strategy and action plan were developed alongside local authorities, network operators and charge point operators from across the region.
Councillor Keith Glazier highlighted how the transport sector was the biggest contributor to carbon emissions in the South East and how something urgent was needed to address this.
He added: "We need to think and plan smarter as well as greener so we can lead the way on decarbonising our country's transport network.
"Every day more people are making the switch to electric vehicles, which brings us a step closer to achieving net zero emissions.
"Transport for the South East's Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy and action plan is an opportunity to prepare for the inevitable future demand as more people make the switch."
The Department for Transport awarded TfSE with funding to carry out a regional assessment of the current infrastructure and forecast the demand for chargers.
Thanks to the report and the cooperation with key players, TfSE will work alongside local authorities to plan for charging infrastructure.
TfSE will continually review the strategy and the work being undertaken by local authorities, as well as distribute information to all involved.
Mr Glazier continued, saying: "We're committed to working with our partners both nationally and here in the South East to drive the changes needed to decarbonise our transport network.
"This strategy is a big step to support this but must work alongside wider measures to give people an alternative choice to the car, more freight onto rail and better joined up planning of new housing and employment to encourage more sustainable transport choices."