Merseytravel has been successful in its bid to provide electric vehicle charging points across the Liverpool City Region and West Cheshire.
The bid, to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Electric Charging Infrastructure Grant Fund, was led by Merseytravel on behalf of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester Councils, will see a total of 126 charging connections installed across the region, including some at rail stations.
The project will provide a network of charging points at key locations to support electric vehicle (EV) travel throughout the area, overcoming the current lack of charging points on public land and near businesses. Charging points at rail stations will link people with the public transport network, allowing them to continue their sustainable journey on the Merseyrail Network.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseytravel said, “The introduction of charging points will offer benefits to residents and businesses, integrating them with key sites for transport, employment and healthcare.
“Through the development of the electric charging infrastructure, our vision is for electric and other low emission vehicles to play a role in developing a vibrant low carbon economy across the region, leading the field in the move to reduce reliance of the transport system on fossil fuel such as oil.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “I very much welcome this move. It is a big step forward in making the city region greener and cleaner as it will help reduce pollution and improve our air quality.”
Robert Hough, Chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The LEP were delighted to support the bid as it delivers a vital piece of low carbon infrastructure. The development of low emission vehicles and innovative networks are key priorities in the City Region’s Low Carbon Economy Action Plan. We hope to use the development of the charging point network as a springboard to further investments in the areas of low emission vehicle research and manufacturing.”
Mayor of Ellesmere Port and CWAC Councillor for Whitby, Bob Crompton said: “We are delighted with this announcement which allows us to introduce electric charging points at Hooton and Ellesmere Port railway stations. Providing this kind of infrastructure will contribute towards our ambitious local smarter travel objectives, and will provide a greener way for car drivers to access our local rail network at key Park and Ride locations. Importantly it also demonstrates how we are working to address air quality issues locally, whilst also supporting local employers involved in the car manufacturing business.
The project will help to reduce emissions from transport in relation to both Carbon and Air Quality and promote a cleaner, low emission transport system. Connecting private travel with public transport will support wider use of sustainable travel options including cycling and walking, with vehicle use when required.
