New electric Car Charging Point, To be installed by Oakham Town Council

New electric Car Charging Point, To be installed by Oakham Town Council

Subject to planning permission Oakham Town Council agreed to install a electric car charging point in
the Church Street, car park.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Lowe thought this would create good publicity for the council. He explained he had done some research into electric cars and came across a site that had a photograph of Rutland County Councils Tory leader Roger Begy trying out a car and saying his council supported the concept. Good publicity. Of course that is far as it goes Rutland County Council has not introduced any schemes throughout the county.

Issue were raised about the cost of the electricity, and other locations for these points. Cllr Lowe pointed out  Corby and said "householders of Corby don't pay for their personal electricity consumption"

Many councillors felt the project was a white elephant. I tend to agree no research has been conducted into
the need for such a service here in Oakham. I also read this week it appears the cable connection is on its way out and the cost of electric cars are prohibiting ownership the average price around £26,000. There are grants available but they still make the car more expensive than the average car and there is still the issue of battery life and cost to replace them.

The charging point is subject to a three year contract and it is expect to be installed early next year.