A car charge point has been installed in Dorchester's Wollaston Field car park.

It is part of Dorset Council's plans to have charge points in 18 of its car parks - also including Fairfield long stay - ready to use by this month.

The 22kw charge points use 100 per cent renewable energy supplied by Statkraft, which will enable drivers to fully charge their electric vehicles in between two and four hours, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity. Normal car parking charges will apply whilst charging.

Dorset Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040 and the whole of Dorset becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

Councillor Ray Bryan, cabinet portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "Providing drivers with more charge points for their electric vehicles is an exciting step towards our commitment to becoming carbon-neutral. It also helps make life easier for motorists who are seeking more environmentally methods of travel.

"With government plans to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and more people seeking to go electric, now is the time to offer Dorset's residents, businesses and visitors sustainable travel options."

Joju Charging started installing the charge points in January and February and once active, will appear on Zap Map. The Wollaston Field charge point does not yet appear.

The installation and management costs of the charge points will be Met by Joju Charging and its funding partners, Gronn Kontakt, owned by Statkraft. In return, Dorset Council receive a profit share generated by each charge point for the next 15 years.

Cllr Bryan added: "Dorset Council has a key leadership role to play in tackling climate change and dealing with its consequences, but we do need private sector investment to help us achieve this.

"Therefore, I am pleased we are working closely with Joju Charging and Gronn Kontakt to drive forward the use of electric vehicles in Dorset."

Future plans also include replacing the chargers in Trinity Street car park.

Chris Jardine, technical director at Joju Charging, said: "The Government has sent a clear signal with the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 - the future of transport is electric. That means installing millions of EV chargers in homes, businesses and public places.

"Our work installing charge points for council across the South of England was recognised with the Public Sector Infrastructure Project of the year at the EVIEs Awards. We also received the Contractor of the Year Award for our wider work installing charge points in homes and businesses."

The council is also looking at alternative ways to fund further sites that cannot be privately funded through the contract with Joju Charging.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to provide suggestions for locations of further charging points by completing the online form.

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