Residents Invited to Shape the Future of Electric Vehicle Charging in Arun, Adur, and Worthing
As the world shifts towards more sustainable transport solutions, residents of Arun, Adur, and Worthing are being given a unique opportunity to influence the rollout of new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints in their communities. A four-week consultation period is currently underway, allowing locals to voice their opinions on proposed locations for chargepoints on 15 streets across the area. This initiative is part of West Sussex County Council’s ambitious plans to foster a sustainable and resilient future.
Consultation Details
The consultation is open until October 2, and residents are encouraged to participate by sharing their views on the proposed chargepoint locations. The selected streets have been identified based on public requests and the recognition of areas with limited off-road parking and insufficient publicly available chargepoints. The specific roads under consideration include:
Adur and Worthing:
- Salisbury Road, BN11 1RD
- Browning Road, BN11 4NR
- The Strand, BN12 6NS
- Marine Parade, BN11 3FN
- Berkeley Square, BN11 5AF
- South Farm Road, BN14 7AX
- Milton Street, BN11 3NE
- Drake Avenue, BN12 6ER
- Becket Road, BN14 7ET
- Brunswick Road, BN11 3NG
- The Causeway, BN12 6FA
Arun:
- Elm Place, BN16 3BL
- South Terrace, BN17 5NZ
- Anson Road, PO21 3LN
- Upper Bognor Road, PO22 7AN
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting West Sussex County Council’s consultation page. For those who may not have online access, alternative methods such as calling 0330 222 7770 or emailing evchargingpoints@westsussex.gov.uk are available.
A Commitment to Sustainable Transport
Councillor Joy Dennis, the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, emphasized the importance of this initiative in the council’s broader strategy to promote sustainable transport options. “We want to lead the way on more sustainable transport options, a key priority in our council plan to help protect the environment,” she stated.
The council is responding to the impending ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles set for 2035 by expanding the EV charging network. This expansion is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing harmful carbon emissions, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to off-road parking.
Current Infrastructure and Future Plans
To date, West Sussex has successfully installed 253 dual-socket electric vehicle chargepoints on the roadside and in district and borough car parks. With hundreds more planned for the coming years, the council is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Councillor Dennis further noted, “Our rollout will give residents and communities the confidence and infrastructure to help them switch to an electric vehicle for a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.” The council is keen to hear from as many residents as possible during this consultation period, urging community members to take advantage of this opportunity to shape their local environment.
Accessibility and Future Considerations
It is important to note that current on-street parking arrangements will remain unchanged, and the proposed electric vehicle bays will be accessible to all unless existing restrictions, such as Residents Permit Parking, apply. Should there be a need for enforcement of these bays in the future, the county council has committed to conducting further public consultations.
This initiative is part of the broader West Sussex Chargepoint Network, a collaborative effort between West Sussex County Council, its district and borough partners, and Connected Kerb. It aligns closely with the council’s Climate Change Strategy commitments, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in creating a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The consultation on the proposed EV chargepoints in Arun, Adur, and Worthing represents a significant step towards a greener future. By participating in this consultation, residents can play an active role in shaping the infrastructure that will support the transition to electric vehicles in their communities. As the deadline approaches, it is essential for community members to make their voices heard and contribute to this vital initiative.