Local MP Maria Miller has called for more support for residents to access on-road electric charging points in Basingstoke’s residential areas where off-road parking isn't the norm. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was the first in Hampshire to open a town centre ‘charging hub’ and they want to do more to support residents to have a place to charge an electric car even if they don’t have an off road driveway. Maria has pressed the Government for their support.
Maria has asked Ministers in Parliamentary Questions, ‘Thousands of electric charging points are being installed across the country, including in Basingstoke town centre, but what support is available to give people who do not have off-street parking access to charging points in residential areas?
The Minister responding said, ‘I am pleased to hear about the good work that is being done by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. We want to spread that across the country. Since 2020 we have committed £2.5 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles, offsetting their higher up-front costs and accelerating the roll-out of transport infrastructure. I should be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend to discuss more ways in which we can support her council.’
Maria said after questions: “ Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has already opened the first electric vehicle hub in the county and is now working on plans to expand access to on-road charging points for electric vehicles. When I meet the Minister I will be asking the Government to support these ambitious plans to help our community reach its target of becoming a carbon neutral Borough by 2030, and reducing roadside air pollution. “
In Basingstoke electric vehicle charging facilities are available in Feathers Yard - consisting of a ‘rapid’ charger and three ‘fast’ chargers which provide the scope to charge six vehicles, in Basingstoke Train Station and in Parklands car park at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offices.
Recognising that many residents do not have off-street car parking the Borough Council is working with Hampshire County Council to jointly prepare a bid for government funding to install new electric vehicle charging points on streets and in residential areas across the borough.
Around a quarter of the new chargers would be fast chargers, able to charge a car from empty to 100% in two to five hours depending on car and battery capacity, with the rest being ideal for charging an electric vehicle overnight or during the working day.
This move is in line with the council’s climate emergency declaration, which commits to working towards making Basingstoke and Deane a carbon neutral borough by 2030, and part of its transport strategy.
Since 2019, the Government have committed £2.5 billion for chargepoints on residential streets, allowing people who don’t have their own off-street parking with better access to charging infrastructure near their homes. Investment in charging infrastructure will support UK’s move towards net zero emissions by 2050 and efforts to further improve air quality.
