London aims for the sky with thousands of new charging points
The UK’s capital is making progress towards reducing high levels of air pollution through the uptake of new electric vehicles and charging points.
The UK’s capital is making progress towards reducing high levels of air pollution through the uptake of new electric vehicles and charging points.
Figures released by local government association London Councils have shown that boroughs in the capital plan to install at least 2,630 new charging points over the next year, an increase of 300 percent since the start of 2017.
At the same time, London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has this week launched a new network of rapid charging points across the city, which will greatly reduce the amount of time needed to refuel electric vehicles.
Over the past six months, Transport for London (TfL) has installed 100 new rapid charging points with a total of 150 planned by the end of 2018. A standard charging point can take hours to recharge a vehicle, whereas the new hubs only take 20-30 minutes.
“The roll-out of rapid charging points marks a big step forward in the shift to zero-emission vehicles, which the capital desperately needs to clean up our toxic air. But widespread change will not happen until a sufficient charging infrastructure is in place, allowing taxi drivers, businesses and Londoners to easily make the switch”, said the Mayor.
The Mayor is also driving forward new initiatives to create zero-emissions zones in the capital, and forcing buses and taxis to become less polluting.
Any new taxi licensed after 1 January 2018 has to be zero-emission capable, and a £42 million fund is available to help retire the dirtiest taxis. This includes two grants of £5,000 and £7,500 towards purchasing cleaner vehicles.
Councillor Julian Bell, Chair of Transport and Environment Committee at London Councils said that “the harmful effects of poor air quality and pollution on our communities are clear and London boroughs are actively responding to this issue”.
“London boroughs are engaging with their communities and developing solutions tailored to local needs. It is essential we continue to do so and take people with us. London Councils will continue to work with our partners in delivering a modern and environmentally sustainable capital city for the future”.
Photo Credit: Diego Martinez
