East Riding not keeping pace with electric vehicle charging rollout, according to new figures

Thinktank the Policy Exchange says there are still charging “blackspots” in regions across the UK, adding the speed of installations needs to increase to meet growing demand.

There were 43 public charging points in the East Riding at the start of January, according to figures from the Department for Transport (DfT).

That is a rate of 13 per 100,000 people, lower than the UK average of 31.

Since October 2019 – when figures began at a local authority level – the East Riding of Yorkshire has seen 16 devices added to its supply.

Transport minister Grant Shapps announced an extra £20 million was to be made available for local authorities.

However, a report by the Policy Exchange says the speed of the rollout needs to increase from the current rate to meet the planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.

The DfT acknowledged the “uneven” distribution of devices across the UK in a report accompanying the latest figures, which were produced from the platform Zap-Map covering 95% of publicly accessible charging-points.

Mr Shapps said the extra £20 million cash for local authorities will see the doubling of 4,000 on-street electric vehicle charging points already funded by the Government.

He said: “With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.”

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England, welcomed the support, but said “longer term resourcing” was needed.

Transport spokesman David Renard said: “Councils are working hard to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their areas but are doing so against competing demands on their time and local circumstances will vary.”

Electric cars have surged in popularity with manufacturers currently supplying a record number.

There were 924 electric vehicles licensed to addresses in the East Riding of Yorkshire at the end of September 2020, according to latest DfT data – up by 44% from 643 in September 2019.