Waverley’s Executive Committee has agreed to adopt a new Electric Vehicle Strategy which will encourage the use of electric vehicles in Waverley and provide a network of charging points throughout the borough.
The strategy, which was agreed at the end of March, aligns with the council’s goal to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030, including its commitment to reduce carbon emissions in the borough by encouraging the switch from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles.
A phased roll out of Engie EV Solutions chargers across the borough is underway, with charging points already in place at Stocklund Square, Cranleigh, High Street in Haslemere, Crown Court in Godalming and most recently, Riverside 3 in Farnham.
Richard Homewood, Waverley Borough Council Head of Environmental & Regulatory Services, said: “As part of our commitment to driving down carbon emissions in the borough and our wider aim for carbon-neutrality, we are committed to making it even easier for our residents to switch to electric vehicles. This is just the first phase of our plan to help improve both general air quality for residents and overall environmental credentials across our borough. We hope to be able to roll out even greater provision for EV drivers in our towns in the future.”
Waverley Borough Council took delivery of its first 100% electric vehicle last year, which has proved popular with staff and is able to travel from the council HQ for around 100 miles on a single charge. The council will be adding further electric vehicles to its fleet in the future. It is also engaging with contractors to encourage them to do the same where practicable.
The council has already set to work on cutting back its carbon emissions and supporting the move towards a net-zero carbon borough by 2030. It has allocated £300,000 to launch action on the climate emergency, and is now looking at building zero-carbon homes, making Waverley buildings more energy efficient, supporting community energy hubs, promoting walking and cycling and sustainable transport and harnessing solar energy in strategic locations.
Find out about electric vehicle charging points at: waverley.gov.uk/Services/Environmental-concerns/Sustainability-and-conservation
