The Introduction of Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Rayleigh – A Lightbulb Moment?

December 10, 2016 in Local Issues, Opinions

Part of the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) references Electric Vehicles (EV's).

Hmmm, is this a feasible alternative to our gas guzzling, fume belching vehicles I pondered? Well, there seems to be an increase in sales in the EV market, sadly though that doesn't appear to the case in the UK. Our slow adoption might be why there are NO public charge points in Rayleigh! So unless you are at home, you are clean out of luck. Looking at 'ZAP MAP' the nearest public charging point is Leigh On Sea or Wickford. Whatever the urge I feel right now to come 'clean' - this isn't going to work for me I'm afraid, I simply don't think I could bear the 1hr round journey to charge my vehicle for it's 100 mile range. Those that don't have off street parking are left with no alternative other than to use these public charge points. Sadly, it appears this is the story of our lives here in Rayleigh, infrastructure not being in place to handle the needs of our residents. However attractive this may look I think it's just wishful thinking by our local council. I'll cross this one off the AQAP list for now!  

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About the author 

James Newport

Essex County Councillor for Rayleigh North, Rochford District Councillor for Downhall & Rawreth and Rayleigh Town Councillor for Sweyne.