Consultation launches on electric vehicle charging points across North Northamptonshire

03 November 2021

A consultation has been launched to identify locations for on-street electric vehicle charging points in 6 towns across the area.

15 sites are being considered in Corby, Higham Ferrers, Kettering, Oundle, Rushden and Wellingborough and nearby residents will receive a letter and information pack inviting them to have their say on the proposed sites. The letter will be from Liberty Charge, who are running the project on behalf of North Northamptonshire Council (NNC).

The consultation is also open to wider members of the public and can be completed online.
There are two elements to the consultation which will run in parallel:

• Location of Election Vehicle points consultation. A survey run by Liberty Charge which seeks the views from residents on the proposal to install charging points at the proposed locations.
• Traffic Regulation Order consultation. This element of the consultation is statutory and being run by NNC. It looks at the associated parking enforcements which would be required at each site.

Electric vehicles provide a low-emission solution to driving and the installation of charging points will help those who currently, or plan to, own an electric vehicle charge their vehicle with ease. It is vital we consider investment in charging points for those who have no access to a private drive and those visiting our town centres and supporting the retail economy. 

As a driver of an electric vehicle myself, I am acutely aware of the need for charging points and am delighted we are taking part in this scheme.Cllr Graham Lawman, NNC Executive Member for Highways, Travel & Assets

In July, NNC declared a Climate and Environment emergency and our work with Liberty Charge to install additional electric vehicle charging points in North Northants reflects this declaration. We also value our resident’s opinions and ask those who live near to the proposed sites as well potential users and residents to have their say.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of NNC

If you would like to respond to the public consultation for proposed electric vehicles charging points, you can do so via the online form until 16 November 2021.

Details of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order can be found online from 4 November for sites in Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby, with consultation closing on 25 November, and from 13 November for sites in Higham Ferrers, Rushden and Oundle, with consultation on these locations closing on 4 December.

Any objections to the proposed order must state the grounds on which they are made and sent in writing to the Traffic Orders Section, Northamptonshire Highways, Highways Depot, Old Harborough Road, Brixworth, NN6 9BX or by email to [email protected].

Representatives from Liberty Charge will also take part in North Northamptonshire Council’s virtual climate change conference, NNClimate21, on Tuesday 16 November where a number of topics will be discussed, including sustainable travel.