Grant to help switch to electric vehicles

COUNCIL-OWNED car parks in West Somerset are to be fitted with multiple electric vehicle charging points thanks to a £136,000 grant from the Government’s Energy Savings Trust.

Somerset West and Taunton Council’s climate change team has successfully secured the grant, awarded as part of the on-street residential chargepoint scheme designed for residents without access to off-street parking.

The grant covers up to 75 per cent of capital costs and, over the coming months, will enable the council to install multiple 22kW fast charging points in car parks in Minehead, Porlock, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Williton and Wiveliscombe.

The additional charge points will supplement those already installed or near completion at Exmoor House, Dulverton and Alexandra Road, Minehead.

The roll-out is further supported by the county-wide electric vehicle charging strategy, which provides a blueprint for the charging network needed in Somerset.

The council’s executive member for climate change, Cllr Dixie Darch, said: “This welcome funding boost supports our commitment towards making Somerset West and Taunton carbon-neutral by 2030 and will be used to supplement the charge points we’ve already installed, creating a network of accessible locations across the district.

“Together, they’ll allow electric vehicle owners to make longer and cleaner journeys without the anxiety of potentially running out of power.

“We hope it encourages other residents, particularly those without access to home chargers, to switch to electric vehicles.”

SWT’s director of external operations and climate change, Andrew Pritchard, added: “As we get closer to 2030, we’re anticipating an increase in electric vehicle ownership so it’s important we support this trend through the provision of more convenient and accessible charging points.

“As well as a reduction in carbon emissions, electric vehicles, alongside active ways of travelling - such as cycling and walking - will help contribute to better air quality and less noise pollution in our towns.

“More charge points will also support our local businesses by enabling EV owners to top-up their vehicles whilst they shop locally.”