Basildon and Rochford District are leading the way on electric vehicle chargers in Essex

A map published by the Department for Transport showing the availability of electric vehicle charging stations shows that Basildon has the best provision in Essex, with Rochford District significantly increasing its offering.

The installations have been made in an effort to improve local air quality along the A127 between Basildon and Rochford District, as part of the authorities’ response to the Government’s National Air Quality Plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide.

Basildon Council is working in partnership with Rochford District Council on this project through the ‘early measures grant fund’, also working together with Electric Vehicle charger supplier Swarco UK/eVolt. The aim is to reduce the levels of nitrogen in the shortest possible time.

This partnership lead to the councils being awarded a £1,258,000 grant from the Department for Transport. £788,000 of the grant has been awarded for the installation of a cycle route in the Basildon area and the remaining £470,000 is specifically for the installation of rapid charging points for electric vehicles. So this will not have an impact on local taxpayers.

Swarco has installed new electric chargers in Basildon:

• Sporting Villages
• Wickford main car park

With a further site in Billericay to be delivered next year.

Chair of Basildon Council’s Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth Committee, Councillor Adele Brown said:

“We’re a progressive borough when it comes to improving our environment and we encourage businesses and the public to move towards a greener society.

“These latest installations is the start of something great and innovative in Basildon.

“I look forward to the initiatives that will come in the future, making Basildon greener and safer environment for residents.”

Within the first phase commenced on Monday 16 December, Rochford District will see the following chargers installed:

• The Approach Car Park, Rayleigh              2 x Fast chargers
• Websters Way Car Park, Rayleigh            2 x Fast chargers
• Market Car Park, Rayleigh                          1 x Rapid, 1 x Fast
• Back Lane, Car Park, Rochford                  1 x Rapid, 1 x Fast

The second phase will include the installation of a rapid charger at Southend Road car park, Hockley and two taxi charging points (1 x Rapid in each of Rayleigh and Rochford).

All charge points will have a dedicated bay that can only be used by electric vehicles that are plugged into the charge point.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Cllr Mike Webb, said:

“Rochford District Council is continually exploring options to make our district ‘greener’,

“I’m delighted that these new electric charging points will now be installed across the district, and hope that it will encourage more drivers to seriously consider the use of electric vehicles in the future.”

Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says:

“Basildon and Rochford District are taking a very positive approach to promoting the uptake of electric vehicles and the new installations will support its effort to improve air quality. We know that drivers always want the confidence of a seamless network of reliable charging points, and we are very pleased to be working on this project to deliver just that.”