New EV chargers bring renewable energy to West Suffolk towns

The installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the Guineas Shopping Centre car park, in Newmarket, and Parkway car park, in Bury St Edmunds, have now been completed.

The new chargers have been set up by West Suffolk Council and are now available for the public to use.

The chargers were installed with financial support from the government Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles.

Each location was selected to serve as a high-impact addition to the council’s EV infrastructure, strategically positioned to support residents and visitors.

Both car parks are located near the town’s shopping centres and are fitted with contactless payment options to ensure drivers have access to seamless charging while they shop.

Energy supplied to the chargers and the building estate is from West Suffolk Council’s own solar farm at Toggam.

Gerald Kelly, the cabinet member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “As a council we are striving to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

“With the installation of these EV chargers, we’re making it easier for residents, commuters, and visitors to choose sustainable transportation to our West Suffolk towns.

“By promoting active travel such as walking and cycling plus facilitating this shift to electric vehicles with convenient charging points, we hope to enhance air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support environmental resilience across the district.”

Drivers in Newmarket can locate the four dedicated EV charging bays in the Guineas Shopping Centre car park, located near the entrance. Two chargers have replaced those removed earlier in the year from the multi-storey car park.

The Parkway car park, in Bury St Edmunds, also has four dedicated parking bays with EV chargers, located on the surface car park behind Cineworld.

For more information on the new EV chargers visit: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/reduce-your-impact/electric-vehicles.cfm

To find a EV charging point in West Suffolk, visit: Map of electric charging points for electric cars UK: Zapmap