Durham County Council has launched a pilot scheme to enable people without a driveway to charge electric vehicles at home.
Council staff received a training session from supplier Kerbo Charge in how to install the new product, which will see cable channels fitted underneath the footway outside residents’ homes, with a liftable lid that will enable them to access the charge point.
The first of 30 properties has had the product fitted through the pilot, which is part-funded by the council’s Climate Change Investment Fund.
The council said this is the first time the product has been trialled in the North East.
Cllr John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for highways, rural communities, and community safety, said: ‘We are delighted to have been selected to pilot this pioneering technology which will make owning an electric vehicle accessible to more of our residents.
‘We decided to be involved in the pilot after residents living in properties without driveways got in touch with us about seeking a solution to charge their electric vehicles.
‘Their properties were checked for suitability before a programme of installation was planned and a contribution towards the install was agreed.’
Resident Helen Embleton said: ‘I’m very happy to have been part of this pilot, which came along at the right time for me ordering an electric vehicle. It really helped solve a practical challenge and I’m extremely pleased with the result.’
Other local authorities in the region were invited to see the first installation.
If the pilot is effective, the scheme will be offered to all residents in the county with a suitable property who would pay towards the installation.
