Watford Borough Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to install 79 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the town, signalling a major stride towards sustainable transport in the area.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, this initiative aligns with Watford’s commitment to creating a cleaner and greener environment.
Recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has placed Watford among the top 5 UK towns with the greenest transport, showcasing the town’s dedication to embracing eco-friendly technologies.
The upcoming installation of the 79 EV charging points, in addition to the existing 23, will bring the total count to an impressive 102 charging points strategically spread throughout Watford. This significant expansion aims to improve the accessibility and convenience of EV charging for both residents and visitors, ultimately fostering the adoption of electric vehicles and reinforcing the town’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner environment.
The locations for the new EV charging points include Judge Street, Nottingham Close, Whitwell Road, Leavesden Road, Haines Way, The Pelhams, Cedar Road, Sheepcot Lane, Clarke Way, Oxhey Activity Park car park, Albans View, Hemming Way, Blackwell Drive, Louvain Way, Boundary Way, Lammas Road, Cuffley Avenue, Kestrel Close, Sussex Road, Gaddesden Crescent, Falcon Way, Bromet Close, Bovingdon Crescent, Hudson Close, Park Road, and Queenswood Crescent.
Watford Borough Council, in collaboration with the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), is spearheading this project. The funding for the installation, amounting to £1.3 million, comes from a combination of 60% provided by OZEV and 40% from the council’s partnership contract with Blink Charging.
Expressing his delight, Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, stated, “We are delighted that we will be installing 79 new EV charging points across the town. This is a significant step towards our goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport. It is really important that we have the charging infrastructure in place so that people can switch to EV vehicles.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, added, “We are delighted to have obtained this funding that will enable us to extend our EV charging infrastructure, facilitating the utilization of electric vehicles. As a council, we are dedicated to decreasing carbon emissions in the borough by implementing various initiatives.”
To learn more about the Watford Council initiatives, including their target to become a net-zero carbon town by 2030 or earlier, visit www.watford.gov.uk/sustainablewatford.
