Tewkesbury borough leads the charge for electric vehicle use

Posted on: 18 November 2024

Tewkesbury Borough Council is installing new public charging stations in Tewkesbury town this winter. The council plans to improve convenience for residents, and reduce range anxiety for visitors, by making Spring Garden's Car Park an electric vehicle charging hub.

Eight electric vehicle charge points will be installed in the town centre car park, providing a significant boost to the local electric vehicle community. The investment will also give visiting electric vehicle (EV) drivers confidence that there will be charging availability when they arrive.

The installation will take place during November and December, during which Tewkesbury Market - which takes place in the car park - will continue to run every Wednesday and Saturday. There may be some space restrictions during the installation period, but the charge points are expected to be ready for use in January.

Cllr Cate Cody, Lead Member for Climate and Ecology, said: "The EV charge points will attract new customers to the town, as well as enticing tourists to stop off and visit the historic town and the charm of the nearby riverside. It sends the clear message that they can visit without the anxiety of whether they can recharge.

"Supporting residents and businesses to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles is key element of the Council's aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Borough as well as improving air quality."

Cllr Stewart Dove, Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management, added: "It is very pleasing to see this installation taking place in Tewkesbury, and that further EV charging points will be installed across the coming months in other Borough Council-managed car parks. This project is complex, and it is excellent to see the progress being made by our Assets team in support of our climate emergency efforts ."

Swarco (also known as Evolt Charging) has been contracted to complete the installation, having previously managed a national network of charging points.

Other borough council-owned car parks will have charge points installed in the future as part of an ongoing programme which is part-funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.