Tamar Crossings has installed two electric vehicle charging points in the Tamar Bridge car park which are available for use by the public.
In 2019 both parent authorities – Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council -declared a climate emergency and are now aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030. Tamar Crossings is working closely with both councils to support their ambition. The installation of the new EV charging points at the Tamar Bridge is part of the organisation’s commitment to promoting green travel at both crossings.
We know that road transport is the largest-emitting sector of greenhouse gas.
Following the Government’s decision to bring forward the timetable for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2030, we are likely to see a significant rise in the number of electric vehicles on our roads which will require an increase in infrastructure. We want to play our part in helping to encourage people to make the switch to electric or hybrid vehicles and help cut carbon emissions by installing EV charging points at the Tamar Bridge.
Research shows that while the global oil demand is set to peak in 2030, a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles could cut this demand by up to 70%. There has been a 20% reduction in the prices of batteries during the past 10 years. With prices expected to fall further in the next few years, this could bring the cost of electric vehicles down to the same level as petrol and diesel vehicles.
The new charging point installed at the Tamar Bridge is a Rolec auto charge EV 22kw unit. Classed as a fast charge unit, this is an App based charger with two Type 2 sockets ( one on either side of the unit ) . The charging arrangements are provided by VendElectric EV Charging Solutions.
Drivers wanting to use the new charging points can download the VendElectric smartphone app from their preferred app store or alternatively use the VendElectric web app . The app allows users to quickly find their nearest EV charge point, find charging information and charging speeds, as well as topping up their VendElectric account or paying for using a charging facility.
The new charging points are available 24 hours a day for all members of the public, with two dedicated spaces in the bridge car park reserved specifically for EV charging. Following discussions with the parent councils the cost of using the charging points has been set at 35p per kWh. This will cover the costs of providing the energy.
The installation of the new EV charging points is the latest in a series of “green” projects introduced by Tamar Crossings as part of the organisation’s environmental management programme. These include the innovative scheme to recycle the seaweed washed up on the ferry slipways.
Seaweed, algae and other materials are washed up onto the slipways at either side of the River Tamar crossing with every tide. This debris must be regularly cleaned off to avoid creating a potentially slippery surface for people using the crossing.
Tamar Crossings use a specialist company to carry out this work, with cleaning taking place twice a week during the autumn and winter months, increasing to three times a week during the spring and summer. The seaweed cannot be returned to the sea because it may have picked up contamination, including additional waste materials, such as plastics.
Part of the organisation’s ‘zero waste to landfill’ partnership set up with Viridor in December 2017, the waste company collect the seaweed and take it to be cleaned and processed by Tavistock farmer Dave Bragg where it is then turned into high-quality agricultural fertiliser.