A REGIONAL transport body has launched a new strategy is drive the switch to electric vehicles in the south east.
Transport for the South East (TfSE) has launched its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out steps to provide charging points for greener travel.
The strategy estimates that as many as 28,500 charging points may be required across the south east before the end of the decade.
It follows the approval of the strategy by TfSE’s partnership board earlier this year, with the plans drawing on input from local authorities, network and infrastructure operators, and key stakeholders.
It was also subject to advice from Network Rail and representatives from National Highways.
Plans are designed to work alongside government commitments to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and are part of TsFE’s aims to achieve net zero on carbon emissions by 2050.
The body also received funding from the Department for Transport, and will implement the strategy by supporting public information campaigns and reviewing and revising proposed technical works and installations.
Councillor Keith Glazier said: “The transport sector is the biggest contributor of Co2 emissions in the south east.
“We need to think and plan smarter as well as greener so we can lead the way on decarbonising our country’s transport network.”
he explained: “Every day more people are making the switch to electric vehicles, which brings us a step closer to achieving net zero emissions.
“Transport for the South East’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy and action plan is an opportunity to prepare for the inevitable future demand as more people make the switch.”
He said that TFSE was “committed to working with partners both nationally and here in the south east” to drive the changes needed to decarbonise the transport network.
“This strategy is a big step to support this but must work alongside wider measures to give people an alternative choice to the car, more freight onto rail and better joined up planning of new housing and employment to encourage more sustainable transport choices.”
Full details of the plans are available online via: transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/our-work/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-strategy/
