Isle of Wight Council offers free parking permit for EVs

The Isle of Wight Council is offering a free year-long parking permit for owners of new, zero-emission electric vehicles.

The offer is available to owners of new (first time registered) electric vehicles registered to an Island address between 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. Vehicles must be 100 per cent electric.

Councillor John Hobart, Cabinet member for heritage and environment, said: “Pure electric cars and vans do not pump out harmful emissions into the air we breathe.

“Our new All Island Electric Vehicle Permit supports our sustainable transport objectives by providing a local incentive to stimulate the purchase of electric vehicles by Islanders.”

The council’s Environmental Action Plan has been developed in response to suggestions from the wider community put forward at the authority’s Environmental Conference, in June 2018. The promotion of electric vehicles was considered a priority because of their contribution to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

There are now five Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) located in council car parks.

Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “We are keen to expand its network of electric vehicle chargers in its car parks and is examining how it can provide on-street charging facilities for those not living close to a car park.”

Applications for the permit can be made online at www.iwight.com/parkingpermits