Cotswold District Council has given approval for 24 more EV charge points to be installed across four council owned car parks in Stow-on-the-Wold, Tetbury, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Cirencester between now and March.
The chosen locations for the new charging points have been strategically selected to assist residents without off-street parking.
Residents will be able to charge their vehicle free of parking charges overnight, but with normal parking charges in place during the daytime.
The initiative represents a critical step in the council’s broader climate change emergency strategy and commitment to sustainable transport within the district.
Councillor Mike McKeown, cabinet member for climate change and sustainability, said, “This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable transport and aligns with our vision for a greener Cotswolds, and a Green to the Core Council. Transport is the largest source of carbon emissions both in the Cotswolds and the UK. Undertaking this initiative underscores our commitment to addressing the most significant challenges first.
“The rollout of additional EV charging points aims to support and encourage both residents and visitors to transition towards electric vehicles, which have considerably lower emissions over their lifetime than conventional (internal combustion engine) vehicles.
“Our ambition is for residents and visitors to have access to an EV charger within a 10-minute walk, wherever possible in the Cotswolds.”
Cotswold District Council has also invited residents to its “Drive and Thrive: Discover Energy Efficiency and EV Solutions” event for the opportunity to test drive EVs and gain expert advice about going electric. It will be held at the Cirencester Corn Hall on 6th March.