A total of 14 more EV charging points are set to be installed at Ipswich Borough Council car parks this year.
New EV charging points are set to be installed in its car parks at Norwich Road, William Street, Cromwell Square, Fore Street, Smart Street, Regent Theatre and Portman Road before the end of this year supported by a £150,000 government grant.
The council currently provides 32 EV charging points for public use at its Crown Street, Upper Orwell Street and Elm Street car parks.
Users of these EV charging points would be able to park for free overnight, only paying for the electricity they use.
Many homes in Ipswich do not have off-street parking so the installation of charging points in the council’s car parks will make it easier for owners of these homes to operate an EV.
Earlier this year the council look delivery of its fiftieth EV and more than half its fleet of vehicles are now zero emission or low emission vehicles.
Cllr Phil Smart, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at Ipswich Borough Council, said, “There remains a need in Ipswich for more Active Travel and public transport alternatives that will bring many obvious benefits to the environment by reducing congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
“However the use of the car will continue to be the preferred option for some journeys.
“Increasing the number of publicly available EV charging points in the council’s car parks would further demonstrate IBC’s leadership role in tackling the climate emergency.
“As more residents use electric vehicles, communities will benefit from improved air quality and lower their carbon footprint.“
