THE government is doubling the amount of funding for its On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.

It will see the amount of money allocated to the scheme boosted to £10 million for the 2020-21 financial year.

Councils can apply via the scheme for funding to install public EV charging points in residential areas under their jurisdiction. It now means that 3,600 more charging locations have the potential to be installed.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘We want to make electric cars the new normal, and ensuring drivers have convenient places to charge is key to that.

‘By doubling funding again for chargepoints on streets where people live and opening up data, we are helping drivers easily locate and use affordable, reliable chargepoints whether at home or on the road.’

The Department for Transport is also assessing how real-time information could be relayed to drivers which would give them a better understanding of a chargepoint’s operation and whether or not it is being currently used.

George Freeman, future of transport minister, said: ‘The new government is accelerating UK leadership in digitalisation and decarbonisation through our future of transport strategy. Supporting the smart use of open data for new apps to help passengers and drivers plan journeys, and to reduce congestion and pollution, is key.

‘Comprehensive chargepoint data is crucial for mapping charging hotspots and notspots for consumers, to help to drive forward the electric vehicle revolution. We urge local councils to make use of the funding available to ensure their residents feel the benefits of cleaner transport.’

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