Funding for up to 75 electric vehicle plug-in posts across Peterborough has been given the go-ahead by the Government.

The posts are part of a regional project to install 600 double-headed plug-in points across the East of England. Peterborough City Council has been working closely with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) to develop the £7 million plan, named EValu8.  This plan successfully bid for match funding and was awarded its full £2.9 million target by the Government.

The first recharging posts could be installed as early as spring next year and will form a key element of the UK’s roll-out of electric vehicle recharging points. EValu8 will provide individuals and businesses with the confidence to purchase electric vehicles for everyday journeys both within cities, between cities and for commuting.

The planned network will mean that any business or resident in the East of England would be no more than 25 miles from the nearest charging post by the end of 2013, making the whole region navigable by electric vehicles.

Councillor Marco Cereste, leader of the city council, said:  “Peterborough is a growing city which is forecast to grow by a third in the next 15 years. As the home of environment capital, it is essential that this growth is sustainable.

“The council is actively seeking to reduce carbon emissions and our emerging transport policy is already seeking options for promoting the use of electrically-powered bicycles, cars and buses.

“This initiative is an opportunity to drive forward our sustainable aims and will give further impetus to our environmental goods and services businesses.”

The bid for Peterborough has been led and managed by the city council’s transport planning team and central funding unit.  Transport planning team manager Mark Speed said:  “We are delighted that the full £7 million plan has been approved and that we can now start work on implementing Peterborough’s part of the infrastructure project.

“This is an exciting project that puts Peterborough at the forefront of emerging electric vehicle infrastructure developments, while supporting the city’s reputation as the home of environment capital.”

Retail outlets, public car parks, railways stations, local businesses and residential streets have already been identified as prime locations for plug-in points to be installed.  By the end of 2013, all local businesses and residents in the East of England will be no more than 25 miles away from a recharging post.

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