30.09.19
Rotherham Council offers free electric charging
In a bid to attract new users of electric vehicles and early users of charging points, Rotherham Council are making electric vehicle charging available for free until the end of the financial year.
From 1 October 2019 until the end of March 2020, electric car owners will be able to charge their vehicles for free at all Rotherham Council owned charging points.
Since 2015, the council has been installing charging points in car parks throughout the borough. The new charging points came from a series of government grants as a way to improve air quality and reach climate change targets.
Normally, users will require a membership charge card or smartphone app to operate them, through which they can pay for their charges. However, the next five months will offer free charging for the people of Rotherham. Charges for actually parking in these car parks still apply.
Electric vehicle numbers are on the rise and they are providing a cheaper and cleaner alternative to traditional cars.
Per mile, electric cars are an average of 13.9p cheaper to run than their petrol counterparts.
Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for Jobs & the Local Economy, Councillor Denise Lelliott, said:
“There are many benefits to owning an electric car including lower running costs and no road tax. The introduction of more charging points across the borough will make it easier to charge your vehicle in the future, with the added benefit of free charging until March 2020.
“The charging points are part of the Council’s continued investment into our communities, and supports our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions. Electric cars are more sustainable and less polluting alternative, particularly compared with diesel cars.”
The charging points included in the scheme are:
• Drummond Street (town centre)
• Scala Car Park (town centre)
• Wellgate Multi-story Car Park
• Walker street Car Park, Swinton
• Clifton Park Museum
• Rawmarsh Library
• Aston Library and Neighbourhood Hub
• Wath Upon Dearne Community Library Car Park
• Thyrbergh County Park
• Rother Valley Country Park – Visitor Centre
• Rother Valley Country Park – Water Sports Centre
Photo: Rotherham council website