South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has unveiled its new electric vehicle charging points at the newly refurbished Rotherham Interchange.
A total of 10 charging points have been installed at Rotherham Interchange’s multi-storey car park and will offer free charging for electric cars. Usual car parking charges will apply with costs starting at £1.50 for up to 2 hours.
The aim of the charging points is to provide electric vehicle owners with convenient places to charge their cars right in the heart of Rotherham.
The interchange charging points join a growing hub for electric vehicles in the town centre. The Council currently offers 28 charging points across the borough including some of its town centre car parks, as well as points further afield at country parks and libraries.
Electric vehicles have become a more common sight on roads over the last few years. Between 2013 and 2018, 178,000 electric vehicles were registered in the UK with many more expected to be in use by 2025.
Rotherham Interchange re-opened in March 2018 after the £12 million refurbishment scheme was completed. During the works, the multi-storey car park was given a makeover with new surfacing, larger parking bays and better pedestrian routes.
Solar panels were also added on the roof of the interchange to be a green source of the energy for the charging points, allowing them to be non-reliant on the national grid.
Tim Taylor, SYPTE’s Director of Customer Services, said: “SYPTE wants to support local residents and visitors to the town to maximise sustainable forms of transport so they can reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the process.
“Creating more charging points in the newly refurbished car park will ensure more points are available for the growing number of electric and hybrid car owners in the borough.”
Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council and chair of the Rotherham Together Partnership (RTP), said: “Both the Council and SYPTE are committed to making it easier for residents, businesses and visitors in Rotherham to own and run greener vehicles.
“Electric vehicles are a growing trend in the UK and I am sure we will see an increase of them on the roads due to their lower running costs. We want to become a greener town and offering free charging is a step forward.”