London,
26
September
2010
|
23:00
Europe/London

Launch of Hackney’s first electric vehicle charge point

Hackney officially launched its first publicly accessible electric vehicle charging point in Dalston last week (Thursday 23 September).

The Council is committed to helping people to travel in more sustainable ways while also working to reduce transport-related emissions across the borough. This includes looking at ways to encourage the transition to electric vehicles from petrol/diesel engine vehicles amongst residents, businesses and the Council’s own fleet.

The Council has begun a programme installing publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points across the borough with support from Transport for London and Department of Transport.

Hackney’s first public electric vehicle charging point was officially launched in the Bentley Road car park, Dalston, E8, by Cllr Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, who was joined by Polly Rayne from POD Point and council officers from Parking and Streetscene services.

Cllr Demirci said: “We know that people in Hackney support our efforts to encourage the shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric ones. The launch of the borough’s first public electric vehicle charging point will continue to help improve air quality and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, as we strive to make Hackney a cleaner and greener place.”

Ben Plowden, Director of Better Routes and Places at Transport for London, said: “It is great news that Hackney residents are benefiting from the first of the planned network of electric vehicle charge points across London.

“Over a quarter of all electric vehicles in the UK are located in London and their numbers are steadily rising. The installation of the first electric vehicle charge point in Hackney is testimony to the efforts of the Mayor, TfL, the boroughs and other partners to boost the number of charging points across the capital to make charging an electric vehicle as convenient as possible. More electric vehicles are coming onto the market in the next six to twelve months and the planned network of charge points in the capital will be key to encouraging a considerable increase in their take up.”

Further charging points will be installed around the borough during 2010/11, and the Council is currently assessing sites where demand is expected to be highest.

If you would like to suggest a location for a new electric vehicle charging point please contact Ben Kennedy on 020 8356 8023 or Ben.Kennedy@hackney.gov.uk

For more information about electric vehicles in Hackney please visit the Council’s website: www.hackney.gov.uk/electric-vehicles