Council EV charging project delivers cleaner travel across the Forest of Dean

Delivered in partnership with Connected Kerb, the project has increased access to public EV charging infrastructure, helping residents, businesses and visitors make the switch to electric vehicles and supporting cleaner travel throughout the Forest of Dean. 

The network is already proving popular with drivers. Since the first chargers became operational, more than 2,000 charging sessions have been recorded by 540 users, supporting approximately 130,000 miles of electric vehicle travel. 

Data provided by Connected Kerb shows the network has also helped save an estimated 28,400kg of carbon dioxide emissions compared with equivalent journeys made using petrol or diesel vehicles. 

Councillor Dave Tradgett, Cabinet Member for Property and Projects at Forest of Dean District Council, said: 

"I am delighted to see the completion of this important project, which is already delivering benefits for residents, businesses and visitors across the Forest of Dean. 

"Reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is essential as more people choose to drive electric vehicles. By providing charging facilities at council car parks across the district, we are helping to make greener travel a practical option for more people. 

"The early usage figures are extremely encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact the network is already having. This investment supports our ambition to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the Forest of Dean." 

The project was supported through funding from the Government's On-Street Residential ChargePoint Scheme, helping local authorities provide charging infrastructure for residents who do not have access to off-street parking. The scheme supported the installation of 31 charging points, providing 62 charging sockets across the district. 

As a rural district where many residents rely on their cars for work and everyday travel, improving access to public charging infrastructure is an important step in supporting the transition to lower-emission vehicles while ensuring communities remain connected. 

Residents and visitors can find EV charging points in council car parks across the district and charge using the Connected Kerb network. 

More information on the project and the Council's parking facilities can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-visitors/car-parks-and-charges/