South Tyneside Council receives £55k grant to expand EV charging points

South Tyneside Council is investing in expanding its network of electric vehicle charging points to tackle climate change.

The council received £55k in grant funding from the Department for Transport’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.

Ten new 7kw charging posts for plug-in vehicles have been installed in locations around the borough, taking the total to 55.

The new points have all been sited in residential areas, particularly where off-street parking is not available.

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Transport, said: “We’re committed to investing in a transport infrastructure that allows us to travel in a sustainable, healthy and efficient way.

“By continuing to grow our network of charging points, we hope that more residents will consider electric or hybrid vehicles and benefit from improved air quality. These points are all located in residential areas, making it convenient and easy to recharge.”

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, with responsibility for climate change, said: “We have pledged to do all we can to become a carbon neutral council by 2030, and that means changing the way we operate and deliver services.

“That’s why we continue to invest in sustainable alternatives and clean technologies.

“But we’re also passionate about leading by example and championing a carbon neutral future for the whole borough, and by providing facilities like this for the community we can help residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint too.”