OK keeping to my word here is a copy of the letter I am sending to my local MP. Please feel free to copy, use, edit if you would be willing to write to your representative.
Mr Colin **********
***********************
*******,
* *
colin@********************
(telephone)******************
27/05/2023
Rt Hon James Heappey
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Subject: Concerns Regarding Insufficient Charging Infrastructure at Motorway Service Areas and the Lack of Progress with the Rapid Charger Fund 2020 Commitment
Dear Mr. Heappey,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to a critical issue that I have personally experienced regarding the lack of sufficient rapid charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at motorway service areas in England. It has come to my attention that several service areas either have no charge points available or only a limited number, with many of them being out of order or in disrepair. This situation poses significant challenges for electric vehicle owners and undermines the government's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation.
As an electric vehicle owner myself, I have had the unfortunate experience of encountering service areas with inadequate charging infrastructure. This has resulted in significant inconvenience and added stress during my journeys. The lack of reliable and functional charge points not only hampers my ability to travel with ease but also limits the accessibility and attractiveness of electric vehicles to a wider audience.
Considering the government's promise to install at least 6 high-powered chargepoints at motorway service areas, capable of delivering 150 - 350 kilowatts, by the end of 2023, the current state of affairs is deeply concerning. It is disheartening to witness broken or insufficient charge points, as it goes against the spirit of progress and sustainability that we should be striving for.
I kindly request your urgent attention to this matter and urge you to take the following actions:
Investigation: Initiate an investigation into the progress of the Rapid Charging fund allocation and the state of charging infrastructure at motorway service areas, particularly focusing on the areas with inadequate or dysfunctional charge points. Identify the reasons behind these shortcomings and address them promptly.
Repairs and Upgrades: Allocate the necessary resources to facilitate the repair and upgrade the existing charge points by suppliers to ensure their proper functioning. It is vital to have a reliable and well-maintained charging network that meets the demands of electric vehicle owners and encourages further adoption.
Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: Implement the Rapid Charger fund to enable the expansion of the charging infrastructure at motorway service areas as promised. This will not only meet the immediate demand but also accommodate the future growth of electric vehicles. This includes installing additional charge points and ensuring their regular maintenance and monitoring.
Transparency and Communication: Enhance transparency and communication regarding the progress of the Rapid Charger fund programme and the installation of charge points at motorway service areas. Regular updates and clear timelines will help restore public trust and confidence in the government's commitment to sustainable transportation.
I believe that by addressing these issues and investing in reliable and accessible charging infrastructure, we can foster the growth of electric vehicle adoption and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
I kindly request your prompt attention and action on this matter, as it affects not only electric vehicle owners like myself but also the broader goal of achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
******* ***********
Oh Smokie your not a politician by any chance?
Here is the direct promise given by the government on 14th May 2020
Government vision for the rapid chargepoint network in England
and here is the specific section:-
The following ambitions will be supported by the Rapid Charging Fund to assist where the electrical connection costs of upgrading sites to meet future charging demand is not commercially viable.
- By 2023, we aim to have at least 6 high powered, open access chargepoints (150 - 350 kilowatt capable) at motorway service areas in England, with some larger sites having as many as 10-12. We are confident this will be more than enough to meet demand from electric vehicles by this date. These high powered chargepoints are able to charge up to 3 times faster than most of the chargepoints currently in place, and can deliver around 120-145 miles of range in just 15 minutes for a typical electric vehicle.
Pretty unambiguous really and hardly back room stuff.