Watford’s electric vehicle drivers are set to have their charging options quadruple in a £1.3 million expansion.

Over the next few months, Watford Borough Council will be installing 79 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points, bringing to total in the town to 102, as it hopes to boost uptake and promote a cleaner environment.

Supported by the government Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the £1.3 million total will come 60% from OZEV and 40% through the council’s contract with Blink Charging.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "We are delighted that we will be installing 79 new EV charging points across the town.

“This is a significant step towards our goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport.

“It is really important that we have the charging infrastructure in place so that people can switch to EV vehicles.”

Watford Observer: Watford mayor Peter TaylorWatford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

He also highlighted DVLA data ranking Watford in the top five UK towns with the greenest transport.

The mayor added: "This achievement is a testament to the town's commitment to a cleaner environment and underscores the importance of investing in sustainable transport infrastructure for a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

There will be a consultation with residents over Traffic Regulation Orders on the EV bays, “so that they can be enforced and remain available for use by EV vehicles only”, the council added.

Watford Observer: Watford mayor Peter TaylorWatford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Councillor Ian Stotesbury, who is responsible for transport and sustainability, said: “We are delighted to have obtained this funding that will enable us to extend our EV charging infrastructure, facilitating the utilisation of electric vehicles.

“As a council, we are dedicated to decreasing carbon emissions in the borough."

The charging points will be in the following roads.

  • Judge Street
  • Nottingham Close
  • Whitwell Road
  • Leavesden Road
  • Haines Way
  • The Pelhams Cedar Road
  • Sheepcot Lane
  • Clarke Way
  • Oxhey Activity Park car park
  • Albans View
  • Hemming Way
  • Blackwell Drive
  • Louvain Way
  • Boundary Way
  • Lammas Road
  • Cuffley Avenue
  • Kestrel Close
  • Sussex Road
  • Gaddesden Crescent
  • Falcon Way
  • Bromet Close
  • Bovingdon Crescent
  • Hudson Close
  • Park Road
  • Queenswood Crescent
  • St Johns Road
  • Cow Lane
  • Rosslyn Road
  • Foxhill
  • Croxley View
  • Phillipers

Many roads will have multiple twin chargers with some also having multiple locations, bringing the total to 79 points.