The transition to a cleaner, low-carbon transport network is set to accelerate with the approval of a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy for Westmorland and Furness.
Westmorland and Furness Council has taken another significant step in its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future, with the approval of Part Two of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy. The strategy, which was agreed at a meeting of Cabinet on 22 April, outlines the next phase of action to expand EV charging facilities across the area and ensure a smooth transition to cleaner transport options.
Building on the success of Part One of the Strategy, which laid the groundwork for EV adoption, this latest phase focuses on increasing accessibility, strengthening infrastructure, and encouraging private sector investment to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. The council aims to ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors have convenient access to a reliable and comprehensive EV charging network and sets out how this will be delivered.
The strategy sets out plans to expand public charging infrastructure in car parks and on streets, prioritising high-use areas and rural communities to meet increasing demand. It highlights the importance of working with the private sector, encouraging businesses and developers to incorporate EV charging into both new and existing sites.
A set of targets have been put in place to demonstrate the council’s commitment to delivering EV charging infrastructure over the next five years, helping to remove a key barrier to people’s current confidence in transitioning to electric vehicles. These targets include:
• Ensuring that all Westmorland and Furness Council owned car parks have electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure by 2030;
• Delivering 1,548 additional chargepoint sockets across the area by 2030;
• Enabling 60% of households without off-street parking to be within a three-minute walk of a chargepoint by 2030;
• Working with potential partners to increase availability in third-party car parks; and
• Hosting an annual open day where residents can learn more about electric vehicles and the benefits of making the switch.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said:
“Expanding our EV infrastructure is essential for ensuring that our roads and transport network are fit and robust for the future. By providing more charging points in key locations, we can support residents and businesses in making the switch to electric vehicles with confidence, while also improving connectivity across Westmorland and Furness.
“We are committed to working closely with local stakeholders, businesses, and community groups to ensure the roll-out of the expanded EV network meets the needs of everyone.”
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, added:
“Reducing carbon emissions from transport is a fundamental part of our strategy to tackle climate change. The expansion of EV charging infrastructure will play a key role in helping us achieve our environmental ambitions - creating cleaner air for our communities, making sustainable travel a practical choice for everyone, and strengthening our position as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible area.
“The ambitious targets we’ve set are an important benchmark of progress and reflect our determination not only to support residents and businesses in making the switch to electric vehicles but also be at the forefront of innovation in the transition to a low-carbon future.”
The EV Strategy Part 2 can be viewed at: Appendix 1 for CAB 2204 - Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy Part 2.pdf