Campaign to help local authorities develop fleet-friendly charging

The BVRLA has launched a campaign that will support more Local Authorities in developing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strategies.

Alongside a pool of resources and guidance, the trade association is encouraging Local Authorities to sign the ‘Fleet Friendly EV Charging Pledge’ to demonstrate their long-term commitment to cleaner transport.
 
With company-provided vehicles accounting for the majority of EVs on UK roads, the pool of resources has been designed to ensure that the differing needs of fleets are met alongside those of other road users.
 
To ensure development of a vehicle charging network that works for everyone, the BVRLA is urging industry professionals to make contact with their Local Authority representatives. They can check the current progress of their Local Authority via the BVRLA’s Fleet Friendly Charging Index.
 
The recently launched Fleet Friendly Charging Pledge is open for any Local Authority to sign. In doing so, they underpin their intention to consider fleet operators and drivers in charging infrastructure plans and strategies; engage with the fleet sector to understand their EV charging requirements; and provide fleet focused EV charging information and guidance
 
Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, said: “The race to decarbonise our road transport will be won or lost at a local level. Authorities are being asked to spearhead new public charging infrastructure strategies, but most of them are under-resourced, under-funded and dealing with a host of competing transport priorities.  
 
“The Government’s LEVI funding is hugely important, but policymakers also need support in understanding the needs of different fleet users, whether it is those based locally or those travelling through. Fleets are setting the pace when it comes to decarbonisation and will likely be the biggest early users of any new public infrastructure.
 
“We are encouraging our local authority colleagues to consider fleet charging requirements, engage with operators at a local level and then support them where possible.”
 
All resources are freely available for industry professionals to access online, arming them with the information to begin discussions with their Local Authority. The BVRLA team is also on hand to facilitate discussions between Local Authorities and industry representatives, via policy@bvrla.co.uk 

^{The Fleet Friendly EV Charging Pledge’ was launched as part of a recent drinks reception following the LGA Conference, shown in the image.}