Local MP, Huw Merriman, has welcomed the news that Wealden District Council has been awarded almost £157,000 by the Government to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points across the district.

Heathfield and Pevensey Bay are two of the areas set to benefit from the grant, which was approved by Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, and will see EV chargers installed in a number of council car parks across Wealden. These additional charge points will play an important role in ongoing local efforts to support the transition to low carbon transport, and builds upon the 33 chargers currently available in the district.

Responding to the news, Huw said:

“This additional investment in local charging infrastructure is good news for EV drivers and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to decarbonising transport and meeting our climate targets.

“The lack of convenient and reliable charge points is frequently cited as an obstacle faced by EV drivers and those thinking about making the switch. With the sale of new EVs hitting a record level last year, surpassing the sale of new diesel cars for the first time, and with the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles approaching, it is vital that we develop a comprehensive network of EV charging infrastructure.

“Ensuring that drivers who do not have access to off-street parking, particularly those who live in rural or remote areas, are not disadvantaged as we make the switch to electric is something that I called for when I was Chair of the Transport Select Committee; so I am pleased to see continuing investment locally allowing us to build on the progress already made.”

In total, Wealden District Council has been awarded £156,800 to deliver new EV charging infrastructure. These installations will be delivered by the council in partnership with Connect Kerb, an electric vehicle charging contractor.