Redbridge Council has purchased 12 new electric vehicles which will be charged by the newly created rapid electric vehicle charging bays at the council’s Ley Street Depot.

The purchase is part of the council’s commitment to tackle air pollution and reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.

As part of the council’s plans to expand electric vehicle charging across the borough, an ultra-fast charging hub for local businesses is also being created at the Ley Street Depot.

The hub will support local businesses to use cleaner vehicles, and has been made possible through an innovative partnership with the mayor of London and E.ON. It will include at least two fast charging points offering businesses the capability to fully charge their electric vehicles in under an hour.

Both initiatives are part of a range of environmental and air quality improvement schemes resulting from the borough’s successful bid to form a Business Low Emission Neighbourhood (BLEN) in and around Ley Street in Ilford.

The Redbridge BLEN is supported with £250,000 from the mayor of London and aims to encourage electrical vehicle uptake, improve local freight movements, and encourage more walking and cycling in the borough to cut air pollution, congestion and carbon emissions.

Cabinet member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: 'This is another great step forward in our on-going commitment to improving air quality in the borough, creating a healthier, cleaner and greener environment for our communities to enjoy and tackling climate change.'

London’s deputy mayor for Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues, commented: 'Cutting toxic air pollution requires action at all levels of government, which is why the Mayor is supporting local initiatives such as the Redbridge Business Low Emission Neighbourhood (BLEN), alongside London-wide measures like the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone.'

'We’re delighted to be able to support businesses to access ultra-fast charging through the new Ley Street hub. The hub will add to London’s total of over 450 rapid charge points, encouraging more electric vehicles on the roads and supporting London's green recovery from the pandemic.'