THE take-up of electric vehicles in Warrington is set to receive a substantial boost.

Warrington Borough Council is one of nine local authorities to be successful in receiving a slice of £20million in government funding through the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme.

The scheme aims to entice drivers to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, through the greater availability of faster on-street chargers and larger petrol station-style charging hubs.

In Warrington, the funding will enable the roll out up to 200 additional on-street chargers across the borough, in a boost for the council’s drive to make the town net zero by 2030.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “I am delighted that Warrington has been selected for the LEVI pilot project.

“It will enable us to take further positive steps towards ensuring our residents have excellent access to on-street charging facilities.

“Through our Local Transport Plan and electric vehicle strategy, we have committed to supporting more residents, visitors and businesses to make the switch away from traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

“This funding gives a great opportunity to enhance this work and encourage more widespread EV adoption across Warrington.”

The LEVI scheme aims to give residents without private driveways better access to EV chargers, as well as growing the charging network across the country, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles.

The pilot is backed by £10million of government funding, shared among the nine winning local authorities in the first part of the planned £450million scheme.

Winning pilot bids are supported by an additional £9million in private funding, while a further £1.9million will come from public funds across local authorities.

The scheme will also give the winning local authorities the opportunity to provide feedback on how to grow the network and the role the private sector can play.