Rutland County Council (RCC) has launched a survey to help identify possible locations for new on street electric vehicle (EV) charge points around the County, and local people have shared mixed feedback.

The Council is working in partnership with Midlands Connect and several other local authorities across the region to deliver electric vehicle charge points within their respective boundaries. This work is being carried out as part of a national Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project, funded by the Government's Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV). 

The online survey launched earlier this month asks for feedback from owners of electric cars and those who are thinking about making the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles - with the aim of getting a better understanding of the local demand for on-street electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

Residents suggested a range of locations, including:

• South Street car park
• Near Oakham library
• Local car parks
• Mount Pleasant area
• Council office car park

Some suggested faster charging car parks, rather than the slower speed chargers in Church Street, Oakham.

While a few resident suggested locations, many shared negative views on EV cars and charging, suggesting that the council should "improve the roads" instead - despite this funding coming in specifically for EV facilities.

Local resident, Mike, said: "Electric cars are a joke. Most people don't want one and many couldn't afford one anyway. Why waste money on the infrastructure, paid for by us all for the benefit of the few?"

Another resident commented: "Rutland has no banks, no swimming pool, no amenities, but yes, let’s pay for some charging terminals. Ridiculous."

One local added to the conversation surrounding electric cars: "It's another half baked project sold to the public as a green alternative. Take advice from any Government body at your peril. Remember they said buy diesel, then doubled the pump price. Then use petrol vehicles because they're less polluting than diesel vehicles. Now it's Ev's. Get electric they are cheap to run and better for the planet. And then electricity prices doubled."

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council, said: "The number of electric vehicles on our roads is increasing all that time, which means more demand for charging points around the County. Feedback from drivers is critical if we are going understand local EV charging needs and will help us put an effective plan in place to grow Rutland's charging network. While we can't guarantee a charge point outside every house or on each road around the County, our aim is to meet demand by providing charge points in the best locations possible."

The survey is now live and will run until 5pm on Monday 4 March. Residents, business owners and people who visit the county are all being encouraged to take part on the RCC website.

Anyone without internet access can take part in Rutland's EV charging point consultation by calling 01572 722 577.

You can also email [email protected]with any questions or for more information.

Alternatively, share your views on local 'green' measures and electric vehicles by emailing [email protected].