The installation of 16 new electric vehicle 'fast' charging points in the Swadlincote area has just been completed by South Derbyshire District Council.

The move supports the Government's 'Road to Zero' strategy to encourage the move to electric vehicles and to reduce vehicle emissions by providing charge-points near to residential housing where people may not have access to 'off-street charging'.

These charging points are operated as part of the electric vehicle charging network, which aims to make a charging system accessible to all residents.

The District Council now offers the following charging points:

• One Rapid Charge – where a battery can be charged in 20 – 60 minutes, is located at the Council's Bus Station car park in Swad, DE11 0AH.

• 16 Fast Charge where a battery can be charged in 4 – 6 hours, at Rink Drive, DE11 8JL and Arnold Close, DE11 9HF

Local residents are being provided with an additional reason to switch to electric as they can apply for a discount card HERE.

There is a £20 yearly fee for the card, however, this provides access to a reduced tariff which currently saves 20p per kWh charge.

The new charging points are the latest initiative in South Derbyshire District Council's bid to become carbon-neutral by 2030, having declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.

Councillor Steve Taylor, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council's Environmental and Development Services Committee said: "We are hoping these new charging points will encourage more local people to make the switch to an electric vehicle – especially residents who are not able to charge a vehicle at home.

"In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, the fuel cost savings are significant, and we are looking forward to the new charging points being in big demand."