18 new electrical vehicle charging spaces to be installed in Spalding and Holbeach by South Holland District Council

Eighteen new electric vehicle charging spaces will be installed in Spalding and Holbeach later this year.

New 7kW dual charge points will be installed at three council car parks across the towns - at Holland Road car park, Spalding (four dual charge points), Winfrey Avenue car park, Spalding (three dual charge points) and Boston Road car park in Holbeach (two dual charge points).

The work has been made possible after South Holland District Council received funding as part of the Government's On-Street Residential Charge-Point Scheme. It is hoped that work will be completed by October this year.

Provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles with support from the Energy Saving Trust, it comes to a total of £67,500 - with the remaining costs covered by the charge-point supplier BP Pulse.

Coun Gary Porter, leader of the district council, said: "I am really pleased that we have received this funding support from the Government, and that we can continue to build our electric vehicle charging offer in the district.

"We will continue to work with our partners, including at Lincolnshire County Council, to ensure that we have a strong, collaborative approach to make driving electric vehicles as simple and attractive as possible for our residents, working alongside our newly agreed climate change strategy."

These new chargers will add to the three car parks that already have electric vehicle spaces in Spalding - at Vine Street, Victoria Street and the visitors' car park at the district council's Priory Road offices.

The funding is aimed at overnight usage by residents who are unable to use facilities of their own. The car parks involved are not subject to overnight parking fees or restrictions, meaning that the tariff for charging the vehicle will be the only cost of using them overnight.

The charge points will also be available during the day, but will be subject to normal car parking charges whilst being used.

Coun Anthony Casson, portfolio holder for public protection, added: "This support will help us significantly increase our provision for electric car drivers in the District, whilst also furthering our commitment as a council towards having a positive environmental impact.

"The proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road is continuing to grow rapidly across the country, and it is important that we do what we can to ensure they are a viable and accessible option for any residents or visitors who may be considering purchasing one."

The scheme is designed to bring publicly accessible charge points to local communities where there is limited access for residents to private off-street parking facilities, making the use of a personal charge point impossible.

More information on South Holland District Council's current electric vehicle charging points can be found at www.sholland.gov.uk/evcharging