Electric car owners to have designated charging bays

From now on, the growing number of drivers of ecars will have sole use of over 40 public ‘opportunity’ charge-points bays that are now available in Larne, Belfast, Londonderry, Newry, Armagh and Enniskillen.

Roads Minister Danny Kennedy said: “The advantages of using an electric vehicle, particularly for short journeys, are being recognised by an increasing number of private motorists and business users.

“Drivers of environmentally friendly ecars, travelling throughout Northern Ireland will benefit by knowing that the charge points we already have in place will be available for their sole use.”

Over the next year the number of charge points will increase to approximately 160. In addition, 14 rapid chargers are currently being installed close to major roads that can allow an electric vehicle to charge to 80 per cent of its capacity in just 25 minutes.

All charging bays are easily recognisable and are identified by the words ‘Electric Vehicles’.

Electric vehicles not charging are required to use a conventional car parking.