North Lincolnshire Council

Twenty new electric vehicle chargers will be installed in car parks across North Lincolnshire – giving drivers unprecedented access to clean, green energy.

The project, designed to create a future-proof network of charging infrastructure ahead of the global transition to electric vehicles, has been developed with £80,000 of Government cash.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know electric vehicles are the future of transport and, with Government cash, we have started the transition to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated growth – clear evidence of levelling-up.

“And, at the same time as future-proofing North Lincolnshire for the global transition to electric vehicles, there is an immediate benefit to those people already driving electric vehicles.

“Many more drivers can now more conveniently charge their vehicles – and take advantage of the two hours free parking available across the area.”

Chargers in the Parishes car park, Scunthorpe, have already been installed and are now live. More are scheduled for Robert Street and Kings Street/Winterton Road car parks.

Others will follow through the summer in the car parks at Bottesford Road, Ashby; Old Courts, Brigg; Cottage Lane, Barton; Potts Lane, Crowle and Church Street, Epworth.

The council is exploring other technologies including solutions to enable access to charging points in communities where off-road parking spaces are at a premium.

Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This latest cash from Government will make a huge difference to way people travel across North Lincolnshire and further encourage the transition to electric vehicles.

“This latest project is a part of our Green Future environmental agenda – is at the forefront of everything we do, and this is a big step forward in making sustainable living accessible for everyone.

“This is a significant step-forward towards our ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing our environment now and into the future.”

The chargers – which have been part-funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)- are all fast, 22w charging points.

An RFID card is needed for access – go to the Swarco E-connect website, which also has tariff and availability details.

An award-winning scheme that kept 163 North Lincolnshire homes warm last winter is rolling out its third phase to residents.

The Government-funded Green Homes Grants has a £1.6m spending pot to help low-income households save money and stay warm.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed this further roll-out: “This is a substantial amount of Government money that will be used to keep people safe, warm and well this winter.

“It is especially welcome at a time when energy prices are rising, and low-income households are especially hard hit. This will have a really positive impact on people’s lives.”

Last winter, 163 homes benefited from the grants – resulting in an overall potential annual energy savings bill of £24,363, as well as 153.5 tonnes of carbon.

This aligns with the Council’s Green Future strategy, which is committed to cutting carbon and building a sustainable North Lincolnshire.

The project was so successful it won National Insulation Project of the Year at the National Energy Efficiency Awards earlier this year.

Park home resident Tony Charles had external wall insulation fitted as part of the scheme.

He said: “It’s improved the look of the house and it’s saved me money every month off my gas bill, when you’re an old age pensioner that matters a lot!”

Advisors will be visiting areas across Scunthorpe over the next few days telling people in both on-gas grid and off-gas grid homes how they can apply for the grants, which can fund:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• External wall insulation
• Solar panels

Representatives from YES, Energy Solutions Ltd, the Council’s delivery partner for the Green Home Grants scheme, will be in the following areas:

Lilac Avenue
Ivanhoe Road
Hampton Road
Amos Crescent
St. Lawrence Place
Annes Crescent
Eastfield Road
St Margaret’s Walk
Axholme Road
Foxhills Road
Brocklesby Road
Brandon Road
Merlin Road
Bridges Road
Somerby Road
Messingham Road

All staff will be identifiable with ID badges and uniform. Call 01724 297000 if you have any concerns.

For more details about the scheme, go to the YES Energy Solutions website or contact them on 01422 880100.