Electric vehicle charging infrastructure plans using government funding in Staffordshire are set to be refocused to reflect the county’s rural nature and wider community needs.
The county council has been allocated £4.6 million in government funding as part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme and had been due to enter into a consortium with neighbouring councils prior to a recent review. The consortium is led by regional transport body Midlands Connect.
Now, the county council is looking to refocus its programme priorities to charging infrastructure on publicly owned land such as car parks and community hubs, rather than Staffordshire streets.
The new approach has the potential to deliver broader benefits for residents and businesses, enhance accessibility for those without off-street parking, and remove disruption on roads which would result from installation and ongoing maintenance of on-street charging infrastructure. It also aims to support local economic growth and promote skills and employment opportunities in Staffordshire.
The county council’s cabinet is therefore set to approve leaving the Midlands Connect consortium at its meeting next Wednesday 15 October.
A new business case, which will include the development of community charging zones with potentially more partners, would be submitted to the government in February 2026.
Andrew Mynors (pictured), Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for connectivity, said:
“This programme is important in delivering the right type of charging infrastructure to meet the needs of electric vehicle owners in Staffordshire but also reflect the nature of our communities across the county.
“We want to make sure public money is spent wisely and benefits our residents and local businesses. By focusing on publicly owned land like car parks and community spaces, we believe we’re putting in charging points where people need them most and can ensure better value for money.
“Also, this refocus away from street charging will mean removing the disruption which would be caused by installation, ongoing maintenance and parking issues.”
(Pic: Staffordshire County Council)
