Drivers will be able to charge electric and hybrid vehicles at 182 new points in Tower Hamlets from next year, thanks to successful funding bids by Tower Hamlets Council.
The first 82 new on-street charge points will be installed in early 2021, funded by a London Councils grant, with another 100 government-funded locations in place later in the year. The points will allow motorists to refuel and reduce their emissions while making quieter, less polluting journeys.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “This investment will allow us to provide motorists with a viable alternative to reduce their emissions and their carbon footprint. We pledged to install 150 new points by 2025 and I’m delighted that we’ll be able to surpass this aim ahead of schedule.
“As London’s fastest growing borough, we need investment in our infrastructure to allow residents and visitors to get around safely, efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way.”
The new chargers will be integrated into existing streetlights to reduce pavement clutter which we know causes an inconvenience for pedestrians and other road users.
The council-installed points will supplement a growing network of slow, fast and rapid charge points to ensure compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.
Dan Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm, said: “Following our declaration of a climate emergency in the borough last year, we’re looking at ways we can support residents, businesses and visitors to reduce their emissions.
“Through our Liveable Streets and School Streets programmes, we’re improving our borough to make it easier for people to choose to walk and cycle for more of their journeys.
“The rolling out of more charging points will help residents and businesses who do need to drive to switch to electric or hybrid alternatives to save on running costs and reduce their impact on the environment and air quality in Tower Hamlets.”
Thanks to investment by councils, the government and Highways England, 95 per cent of England’s motorways and major A-roads are now within 20 miles of a rapid electric vehicle charging point, making such vehicles a more practical choice than ever before.
The network of electric points can be seen in full atwww.zap-map.com/live
