A new strategy is set to invest around £2M in new electric car charging points all over Bolton.

This comes after debates at the town hall on efforts to install charging points around the borough to help meet the rising demand from electric car and van drivers.

Cllr David Wilkinson, of Westhoughton South, said he had previously quizzed town hall leaders on the issue but was not satisfied by the progress that had been made.

He said: “I asked this question a few months ago and unfortunately the answer was a bit disappointing.

The full council meeting was held at Bolton Town HallThe full council meeting was held at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

“The numbers of electric charging points was very, very, very low.”

He added: “Whether we like it or not we are now moving into an era of electric charging and need the infrastructure to allow people to make that change in a public area, public car parks, private car parks.

“Not just at home because you need to charge vehicles in other locations.”

He added: “When I previously asked a question regarding electric vehicle charging points in the borough the information provided highlighted a complete failure of the GM set up to put forward substantial investment to increase availability.”

In November 2022 the International Drivers Association reported that the borough had only 24 electric vehicle charging points, making it one of the worst places to own an electric car in the country.

This has not changed since April 2022 when it was revealed Bolton had lost four charging points after previously having 28.

Bolton Council said in March 2023 it had delivered several charging points in car parks it owned, while charging points were also available at supermarkets and privately owned car parks.

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But the authority said that is was developing a new strategy alongside its partners for new charging infrastructure around the borough.

In response to Cllr Wilkinson’s question, Bolton Council cabinet member for transport housing and highways Cllr Hamid Khurram said a new transport strategy would be published over the summer.

He said the document will be supported by an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy.

Cllr Khurram said: “This strategy will be supported by circa £2M of investment into new on street and off street infrastructure to be installed all over the borough and I hope to share more plans very soon.”