A new scheme to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure is starting to be rolled-out in Council-owned car parks across Oxfordshire.
Park and Charge Oxfordshire will see up to 140 dual connection electric vehicle chargers installed in 24 car parks, including six in the Cherwell District, creating 280 electric vehicle (EV) charging bays for EV charging only.
And Bicester will be the first town to benefit from the rollout with the first installation of the technology taking place in Cattle Market car park. Preparation work to convert 12 bays is starting this week with chargers being available for public use by late January 2021.
Park and Charge Oxfordshire is being delivered by local Councils in partnership with Bicester-based Zeta Specialist Lighting Ltd., with the full £5.2 million project set to be completed by September 2021. The new hubs will provide much-needed charging resources for visitors and commuters and a safe solution for residents without access to off-street parking to charge their EVs overnight.
Bicester Conservatives said: “Electric vehicles will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment but charging infrastructure is needed to support users making the switch from petrol or diesel. Park and Charge Oxfordshire is a significant first step and we are delighted that Cattle Market car park has been chosen as the first installation point.
Charging hubs are much needed to meet current demand but will also help overcome one of the main barriers to electric vehicle ownership which is the number of publicly available charging points so it is great that, come January, we will be able to advertise Bicester as an environmentally-friendly and accessible location for EV owners.
We know that residents have been keen to see this infrastructure provided in Council car parks, so are sure this multi-million-pound investment will be welcomed.”
