That’s the view of transport chiefs across the Black Country who have now launched a major public consultation to help identify suitable places, especially in residential areas, to install on-street charging points.

The ‘Black Country Electric Charging’ consultation also asks people about their perceptions of electric vehicles while providing them with useful facts and information about the benefits of the technology. 

The consultation is part of a collaboration between City of Wolverhampton Council, the neighbouring authorities of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) transport arm – Transport for West Midlands.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and the WMCA’s portfolio holder for transport, said:

“Poor air quality in urban areas is a major public health concern and encouraging greater uptake of electric vehicles will help tackle this issue. We can do this by installing electric vehicle charging points across the Black Country.

“By making the region a cleaner place to visit, live and work, we can attract more people and benefit the local economy. 

“More importantly, we will help improve the health of thousands of local residents so I would encourage all residents to take part in the consultation and have their say.”

Around 14 million electric vehicles are expected on Britain’s roads by the end of the next decade and by 2040 the Government will block the sale of diesel and petrol cars to encourage uptake of cleaner transport.

The demand for quick-charging cars and vans is growing, especially within large companies running fleets of vehicles or those keen to offer charging points to staff.

Findings from the Black Country consultation, which closes on September 15, will help assess existing and future demand for electric vehicles and provide useful insight into people’s travel habits.

People can have their say and find out more about electric vehicles by visiting www.wmca.org.uk/electricvehicles