Consultation on EV charging points under way

The consultation on EV charging points is part of a wider plan to reduce carbon emissions

A council is encouraging people to take part in a consultation about plans for electric-vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

West Northamptonshire Council has announced plans to increase the charging point infrastructure as part of its aim of achieving net zero by 2045.

The council said not being able to access charging points had become a barrier to people getting EVs, and it urged residents to take part in the review.

The consultation ends on 1 September.

Figures from 2020 on transport emissions for West Northamptonshire showed they accounted for 45% of the total carbon emissions in the area.

The council was awarded £409,000 from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Capability Fund in 2023 to increase charging points.

Rebecca Breese, cabinet member for environment, waste and recycling, said: “We know that people not being able to access public charge points is a real barrier that is holding them back from using EVs so this strategy sets out how we plan to change this.

“It’s really important we hear from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on these proposals and that they share with us any ideas and opportunities that we may not have thought of."

Consultation responses will be considered before a final strategy is produced.

The council hopes to take a final version to a cabinet meeting in October.