A public consultation is live on the proposed North East Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Strategy – a plan which aims to deliver reliable public zero emission vehicle charging infrastructure in the North East, wherever people need it.

The strategy builds on the 2022 North East ZEV policy, which outlined initial proposals for how the region will compliment private sector charging facilities, co-ordinate action with local authority charging initiatives and build a partnership with Northern Powergrid. Development of this strategy fulfils a commitment made in the 2021-2035 North East Transport Plan and will help deliver the five objectives of the Plan.

The strategy represents a positive step to assist people who need to travel by car or van but wish to do so more sustainably, including those in rural areas or densely built urban locations with no off-street parking. The delivery plan included in the strategy sets out a new prioritised list of 221 potential sites for public chargepoints on publicly owned land as the result of a refreshed ‘enabling study’. This has helped inform the region of the investment into publicly available chargepoints which is required, plugging the gaps between public chargepoints installed by the private sector and home charging facilities, supporting local authority infrastructure plans. The delivery plan is a “live pipeline” of schemes and is expected to further develop over time.

The consultation will run until 7 November 2023 and local people are urged to have their say and fill in the online survey to share their views.

A number of online events will run throughout the consultation period alongside drop in sessions in Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, full details can be found at www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/northeastzev

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee welcomed the launch of the new consultation and commented:

“Back in 2021 when the North East Transport Plan was published, I stated that it was the first step in a journey towards a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving North East. Since then, we’ve been working hard towards our aim of delivering reliable public zero emission vehicle charging infrastructure across the region, wherever people need it. Our North East Zero Emission Vehicle Policy that we published last year was the next step, and this strategy builds on this, moving us further along on our journey to reach our goals.

“We want the transition to emission-free driving to be as easy and as accessible as possible for local people, and to happen as quickly as possible in light of the alarming climate emergency we all face. To do this, we believe that excellent infrastructure, along with well informed people is the right recipe for a seamless increase in zero emission vehicles.

“I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead, but by working together, we can make the most of this opportunity, and make the North East a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving place to be.

“I strongly encourage local people to take the opportunity to read the proposed strategy and take part in the public consultation. I am very proud that the North East has constantly been at the forefront in championing the use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). Our region is home to Europe’s most successful EV (the Nissan Leaf), the UK’s only large-scale battery factory (Envision, Sunderland) and we continue to hold our position as a key global centre in emerging clean energy technologies.

“Through this strategy, and by investing in EV infrastructure and supporting people to make the changes required, we can build those successes to deliver more zero emission vehicles on our roads, tackling air pollution and creating a better environment. We welcome feedback which will be help us to strengthen this strategy and ensure it delivers for the North East.”

The strategy sets out a proposed delivery plan with an initial list of ZEV schemes worth approximately £80m that the region will seek funding for. The proposed investments and initiatives set out in the strategy broadly consist of:

• The creation of an EV partnership group with the public and private sector;
• New public EV chargepoint infrastructure;
• Maintenance and upgrading of the existing public chargepoint network;
• Increased awareness and information to help people to make the transition to ZEVs;
• Innovation schemes to develop ZEV technology;
• Flexible procurement framework (NEPO) available to help deliver public EV chargepoint infrastructure.

How to get involved

To read the strategy and find out more, please visit www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/northeastzev

The consultation closes at midnight on 7 November 2023. Should you need any assistance or wish to discuss your views, please call 01914332973 or email northeastzev@transportnortheast.gov.uk

Online consultation events

A number of online consultation events will be held in October, which will offer a presentation on the proposed strategy and an opportunity for members of the public and stakeholders to ask questions. Each session will provide the same overview, so please register to attend whichever session you find to be most convenient.

Online events will take place on Zoom on the following dates:

• Friday 20th October, 09:00 – 10:00.
• Tuesday 24th October, 12:00 – 13:00.
• Thursday 26th October, 18:00 – 19:00.

Please register using the links provided on the North East ZEV webpage if you would like to attend an online session and you will receive a link via email to join the virtual meeting.

Drop in sessions

You can also come along to one of the seven drop in sessions taking place across Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland in October and November 2023. These are informal local drop in sessions should you wish to pop along to ask a question, chat with the team, or fill in a comment card.

• Monday 9th October, Durham Marketplace
• Wednesday 11th October, Sunderland City Hall
• Thursday 12th October, Metrocentre Gateshead
• Friday 13th October, The Word South Shields
• Tuesday 17th October, Killingworth Shopping Centre
• Wednesday 25^th October, Newcastle City Library
• Friday 3rd November, Cramlington Community Hub

All pop up events will take place from 10:00 until 14:00.

If you have any questions or would like to request documents in an alternative format, please call 0191 433 2973 or email northeastzev@transportnortheast.gov.uk

You can also write to:

Transport North East

C/o Gateshead Civic Centre

Regent Street

Gateshead

NE8 1HH