Blackpool set to ramp up investment in electric vehicles

But that figure is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’, councillors were told as they approved the spending priorities for 2021/22.

Coun Jim Hobson, cabinet member for environment and climate change, told a meeting of the executive £165,000 has also been earmarked for investment to encourage cycling and walking.

He said both funding packages would play a part in the council’s response to the climate change emergency.

He said: “We recently finished the people’s assembly on climate change and electric vehicles will form a huge part of the outcomes on that.

“So that’s probably the tip of the iceberg on spending in the next few years in terms of electric charging points.”

Cycling initiatives will include progressing a ‘Blackpool Wheel’ bike route and improving public cycle parking.

A report to the executive said total capital spend of £2.2m is available for the 2021/22 local transport plan.

The council has received £667,000 for pothole repairs as part of its annual allocation of funding from the Department of Transport.

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