Plug into greener travel with Redbridge Council’s new fast charging hub for electric vehicles

Redbridge is among one of the first London boroughs to incorporate a large fast charging hub for electric vehicles into a council car park to help tackle carbon emissions.

The creation of the hub comes after transport was identified as one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in Redbridge, making it one of the council’s key areas for action in tackling climate change.

The new Community Charging Hub, based in Mulberry Way Car Park, South Woodford, is for public use and has 12 dedicated bays for charging electric vehicles (EVs).

Creating more sustainable and green modes of transport is part of the council’s ambition to create a cleaner, and greener Redbridge.

Under the borough’s Climate Change Action Plan there has already been a great deal of work taking place in conjunction with the local community to reduce carbon emissions in the borough, tackle air pollution and encourage residents to take up greener modes of travel including cycling, walking and the use of electric vehicles.

There are now 41 public access electric vehicle charging points across Redbridge making it easier for residents to lower their carbon footprint by switching to an electric vehicle.

The increased number of EV charging points in Redbridge also gives residents without the ability to charge on a driveway the confidence to make the switch to electric, in the knowledge that they can easily charge an electric vehicle using the growing number of public charging points available across the borough.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: “These new charging points and fast charging hub will be crucial to encourage the shift from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles.

“This is an important part of our climate change action plan as we seek to reduce emissions across the borough and help residents make greener choices.”

 Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, added: “The launch of our new electric vehicle charging hub in South Woodford will enable more local people to adopt electric vehicles, make greener journeys, and help to improve local air quality.

“The new charging hub also means that South Woodford residents without a driveway to charge on now have greater access to public charge points nearby, with 41 on-street charge points now in operation across the borough.

“The addition of 12 new charging bays in South Woodford is just one of the investments we have made in the borough as part of our action on climate change.”

Redbridge resident Atik Zaman made the switch to an electric vehicle last year and hasn’t looked back.

The 46-year-old from Gants Hill said: “I love my cars and was a complete petrol head, but you get to a point in your life where you start thinking about how your actions will impact on the type of future your children will have.

“For me the climate crisis played a big part in my choice to move to electric as it meant I’d no longer be polluting the air with harmful carbon dioxide from my vehicle.

“Long term they are also much more economical because you’re not having to fill up on fuel, plus there’s no road tax on fully electric vehicles.

“I have a charging point at my house, but it’s also great to see so many EV charging points being installed across the borough. It’s a really big boost for residents thinking about buying an electric vehicle.”

The new South Woodford Community Charging hub was jointly funded by Redbridge Council and the Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme, which is managed by London Councils, Transport for London and supported by Mayor of London, on behalf of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

Expansion of London Ultra Low Emission Zone:

Residents with petrol and diesel cars are being reminded that the expansion of the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) comes into effect from Monday 25 October and will include western areas of the borough including South Woodford, Snaresbrook, Wanstead, and Aldersbrook. The expanded ULEZ will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a £12.50 daily charge for vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards. To check if your vehicle is affected, or for more information visit: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/ultra-low-emission-zone-ulez/

For more information about Redbridge’s Climate Change Action plan, and tips on lowering your carbon footprint go to: www.redbridge.gov.uk/about-the-council/climate-change/