A brand new scheme to bring new electric vehicle charging points throughout the Tees Valley has launched with the first new points installed in Darlington.

There will be 136 new chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) installed in 36 public car parks in Darlington, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees as part of a £2 million pound scheme to improve green infrastructure in the area. 

On completion, the total number of public charging points in the Tees Valley region will reach 377.

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Under current government plans, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end in the UK in 2030, with the rate of installation of public EV charging points increasing rapidly to deal with the predicted demand in the coming years.

On Friday (9 December), TVCA cabinet members and the Mayor approved a Net Zero Strategy which includes increasing the number of public EV charging points in the Tees Valley by 200% by 2025. They hope to also deliver a Net Zero local transport network by 2036.

The Northern Echo:

EB Charging Ltd has been procured to supply, operate, and maintain the new points in the Tees Valley area to help encourage people to make the switch from traditional petrol and diesel.

Five new chargers have been installed on Winston Street’s northernmost car park, in Darlington, with Commercial Street West and two car parks on Park Place to receive 14 chargers between them.

The Feethams multi-storey, Kendrew Street West and Abbott’s Yard are also set to see chargers installed in the coming weeks. Almost all the new chargers as part of this latest rollout are set to be installed across the Tees Valley before the end of February.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Electric vehicle charging points are already too thin on the ground across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, and many that we do have are often broken down or inconvenient to get to. 

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“If we are really serious about being a region that’s driving the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future, we need to practice what we preach and increase the uptake of green vehicles. We cannot do that with our existing infrastructure, which is why we’re making a massive effort to get reliable, accessible charging points up and running. 

“This is yet another investment into transport in our region, coming hot on the heels of development and upgrades to our train stations, walking and cycling routes and, much more, to give local people the transport network they deserve. These points also complement our work as the UK’s hydrogen vehicle test hub, pioneering other innovative alternatives to petrol and diesel and putting us at the forefront of the sector.” 

Here's the full list of sites and their expected dates for installation to be completed:

Darlington

  • Winston St North – Mid December
  • Commercial St West – Mid December
  • Park Place East – Mid December
  • Park Place West – End of December
  • Kendrew Street West – End of December
  • Feethams Multi-Storey Car Park – End of December
  • Abbott’s Yard – End of January

Hartlepool

  • Waldon Street – Mid December
  • West Side – January
  • Seaton Carew – Mid December
  • National Royal Navy Museum – End of December
  • Hartlepool Interchange – January/February

Middlesbrough

  • Binks Street – Mid December
  • Buxton Street – Mid December
  • Zetland Multi-Storey Car Park – Mid December
  • Captain Cook Multi-Storey Car Park – December/January
  • Stewart Park – February
  • Wood Street – January/February
  • MIMA – TBC

Redcar and Cleveland

  • Fountain Street, Guisborough – Mid December
  • Fisherman’s Square, Redcar – Mid December
  • North Road, Loftus – Mid December
  • West Dyke Road, Redcar – January

Stockton-on-Tees

  • Bishop Street – Mid December
  • Yarm Station – January/February
  • Billingham Forum – January/February
  • Parliament Street – January/February
  • Thompson Street – January/February
  • Littleboy Recreational Area, Thornaby – January/February
  • Cowpen Bewley – January/February
  • Preston Park – January/February

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member, added: “We’re pleased to support the roll out of extra electric vehicle charging points in Darlington and beyond.

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“This is a practical step towards helping drivers make sustainable choices and consider an electric vehicle. As a council we’re committed to making alternative forms of transport – walking, cycling and electric vehicles – easier and safer to do.”