Warrington Council installs 56 EV charging points at Time Square car par

The Warrington Borough Council has installed 56 charging points for electric vehicles at the Time Square multi-storey car park, as part of its long-term commitment to reducing pollution.

The launch of the new electric charging points - one of the largest number at any one location in the country - comes as the council throws its support behind Clean Air Day 2019, which encourages everyone to take steps to help make the air cleaner.

Clean Air Day is the nationwide air quality awareness day, organised by the behaviour-change charity Global Action Plan. It gives people the chance to find out more about air pollution, share information with friends and colleagues, and help make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

The council formally adopted its Air Quality Action Plan in 2018, which aims to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels within the main, busy traffic routes leading into and around the town - and where possible to deliver wider improvements across Warrington. The 17-point plan includes some firm, immediate actions, such as an increased focus on sustainable transport, encouraging cleaner fuels and electric vehicles, new cycling and walking links, and an intelligent transport system.

Warrington Borough Council's executive board member for environment, Cllr Judith Guthrie - who drives an electric car herself - said: “I'm delighted that our new electric charging points are up-and-running. It's an important part of our plans to protect Warrington's environment, now and in the future.”

“We are committed to developing a cleaner, safer and less car-dominated environment throughout the borough and we have set out an action plan to achieve this. You can support us by doing your bit, whether that's by walking to school, cycling into work or using public transport,” she added.

The Council also announced that all new homes in Warrington with off road parking must now have charging points. For existing homeowners, government grants will be available for up to £500 ($635) for the installation of a charging point.