More EV charging points in council car parks

More electric vehicle charging points have been installed in Ashford Borough Council car parks.

Three new charging points were installed in Vicarage Lane car park as part of an infrastructure rollout in the Kent borough, completing the first phase of installations.

So far, the scheme has seen 29 charging points with 53 connections implemented across nine car parks in Ashford and Tenterden.

Further charging points are expected to be installed across the borough as part of a council target to hit net zero carbon emissions in council assets and services by 2030.

Councillor Simon Betty said the installations reaffirmed the authority's commitment to being a "green pioneer".

"Electric vehicles are the future and are growing in popularity, so the more we can do to get ahead of the curve and assist our residents, the better," he said.

The points cost 60p per kilowatt hour to use.

More than 2,000 electric vehicles are registered in the borough, according to the council.

The authority, which previously committed to hitting net zero carbon emissions in all of its council assets and services by 2030, is also aiming to hit net zero borough-wide by 2050.

Kent County Council is also aiming to have electric vehicle charging points within walking distance of any household with an electric vehicle, with residents able to suggest places for a potential charging point.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.