Council to push on with plans to install new electric charging points

Caerphilly County Borough Council will progress with plans to install new electric vehicle charging points, after the cabinet agreed to fund £240,500 from earmarked reserves.

The scheme, which will put 20 electric vehicle charging points at the council’s three main sites, is estimated to cost £300,000.

However, the council will apply for a £10,000 grant from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), while £49,500 will be taken from the council’s carbon reduction initiatives.

This leaves a funding gap of £240,500, which will be used from earmarked reserves. Earmarked reserves are savings intended for a specific purpose.

Non-electric cars banned from parking in electric charging bays

The council has also identified 17 vehicles it would switch to electric as part of the first phase of works.

There will be 20 double charging points installed across the council’s three sites – Penallta House, Tredomen House and Tir Y Berth Depot.

This will provide the capacity to charge up to 100 vehicles, depending on usage patterns. This could be increased if smart charging technology is included.

Council deputy leader Sean Morgan said: “This is a council dedicated to tackling climate change and enabling carbon reduction through a shift to low emission vehicles.

“We will do whatever we can, and I hope all councillors will support greater moves to tackle the climate emergency in the years ahead.”

Earlier this year, electric vehicle charging points were set up at the following car parks:

Abertridwr – Library car park– one double charge point

Blackwood – Market Traders car park – two double charge points

Caerphilly – The Twyn Car Park – two double charge points

Llanbradach – Station Road car park – one double charge point

Nelson – Dynevor Terrace car park – two double charge points

Newbridge – West View car park – one double charge point

New Tredegar – Dyffryn Terrace car park – one double charge point

Risca – Longbridge Car Park – two double charge points

Trethomas – Navigation Street car park – two double charge points

Ynysddu – High Street car park – one double charge point

Ystrad Mynach – Oakfield Street car park – two double charge points

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