Merton Council, in partnership with Source London, is set to switch on the first of its electric vehicle charging points as it meets rising demand for less polluting vehicles and tackles head-on air pollution problems currently facing London.

Councillor Martin Whelton using one of the 21 new electric charge points in the borough.

The last three years have seen a three fold increase in the number of electric cars in the borough, with 300 Merton residents owning electric cars and many more people going electric throughout the capital.

A total of 21 charge points have been installed across the borough in nine locations with plans to expand the network further.

The power points will be compatible with all electric vehicles and are installed with their own retractable cables, saving users the need to provide their own. The network is accompanied by a free Smartphone app that allows users to find nearby power points, reserve them and report faults. Source London, the managing company, will charge £2 per hour to use the charging points with most cars being fully charged in four hours. The network will be available to use 24/7 and be supported by round the clock monitoring team.

Merton Council cabinet member for regeneration, environment and housing, Councillor Martin Whelton said: “Car emissions are the biggest contributing factor to harmful pollutants and been identified as a leading cause for ill health and premature death. One of the best ways to tackle the crisis is to encourage drivers to switch from petrol and diesel to Electric Vehicles (EV) and the new network supports this and is part of our work to make Merton a low-pollution borough.

“As a council we have been active in taking measure to improve air quality by introducing a diesel levy and reducing to £25 the electric car permit. This which will go towards increasing the charging point network as well as other local sustainable transport initiatives and infrastructure such as cycle lanes. “

Christophe Arnaud- MD Source London said of the new network: “We are delighted to announce the inauguration of these new Source London charge points. We are excited to provide the residents of Merton with the reliable and affordable EV infrastructure they deserve. We look forward to working with the borough and residents to expand the network in order to encourage the uptake of EVs.

He continued: “We are also busy improving the quality and reliability of Source London charge points across other London Boroughs and will continue to do so for the benefit of the growing number of EV users. Our key driver is to help improve London’s air quality.”

In the first phase, we will install 21 charge points across Merton in nine locations:
• Cowdry Road
• Dudley Road
• Gorringe Park
• Wimbledon High Street
• Kingston Road
• Mostyn Road
• Pincott Road
• West Barnes Lane

For full details of the network visit the Source London site: www.sourcelondon.net