Teignbridge car parks go electric

More charging points on the way

More car parks in Teignbridge are set to have electric charging points installed.

Rapid charge points have already been placed in Chudleigh and Buckfastleigh as part of a Highways England scheme, but a further four double-rapid charger points will go into Newfoundland Way car park and Forde House in Newton Abbot; Eastcliff Car Park in Teignmouth and Barton Hill Car Park in Dawlish. But it could take a year.

And Teignbridge District Council has put in a bid for a further 12 car park sites across Teignbridge as part of an on-street residential charging scheme.

This government money is designed to help drivers who can't charge vehicles at home. The 12 sites are in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, Shaldon, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Ashburton, Starcross and Widecombe.

Cllr Jackie Hook, executive member for climate change, said: “While reducing car use is a key aim going forwards, I recognise that in our largely rural district the car is here to stay.

“Cars will increasingly be low emission and electric and the district council has a role in kickstarting charging provision and increasing public confidence to encourage electric vehicle purchase. I’m pleased therefore that we will soon see a significant growth of public electric vehicle chargers across our district.”

Teignbridge Council already requires developers of new housing and employment space to also provide electric vehicle charging points.