Harrow residents driving electric vehicles will soon have more reason to rejoice as the council’s cabinet has approved plans to significantly increase the number of electric charging points across the borough.
The decision comes after securing an impressive funding of £520,840 from the government, aiming to enhance the infrastructure for hybrid and electric cars in the area.
A total of 225 lamp-column electric charge points will be strategically installed throughout the borough, primarily on residential roads. This initiative aims to cater to the growing number of residents switching to hybrid and electric vehicles, offering them convenient and accessible charging facilities. These new charging points will complement the existing 30 residential and commercial charging points already present in Harrow.
Cllr Anjana Patel, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, commented on the development, saying, “This is great news for Harrow and owners of electric vehicles. While there are many people who already have electric cars, we know many more are making decisions about switching to electric vehicles. And why not? It’s good for the environment and plays a key role in improving our air quality.”
The move is seen as a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing air quality in the borough. With the increase in electric charging points, Harrow is furthering its commitment to tackling climate change and promoting a cleaner and greener environment.
Cllr Patel highlighted the significance of the project, particularly for residents without access to off-street parking, as they will now be able to charge their electric vehicles using the council-owned charging points.
“In our wider plans of decarbonisation and improving our environment for a cleaner borough, this will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve Harrow’s air quality,” she added.
The council will now move forward to procure a qualified provider to execute the installation of the electric charging points within the current financial year. With this expansion, the council’s climate strategy is set to receive a boost, and the overall vision for a more sustainable and eco-friendly Harrow will be further strengthened.
The project’s funding timeline is noteworthy, with a grant of £109,900 awarded in September 2021 to install 40 lamp column charge points, and an additional grant of £410,940 awarded in March 2023 to support the installation of 225 more charge points. The combined sum of £520,840 reflects the council’s dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious and EV-friendly borough.
As the council continues to consult on its climate strategy, residents are encouraged to have their say and contribute to shaping a greener and cleaner future for Harrow.
