First on-street EV chargers installed in city

The first on-street electric vehicle charging point has gone live in Leeds as part of the city council's bid to be the UK's first net zero city.

The charger has four parking bays and is located on St Paul's Street in the city centre.

A council spokesperson said more public charging points, including in residential areas, would be installed in the city throughout 2026.

Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the authority wanted "to make it easy for people to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles".

Rafique added that installing on-street chargers was "an important step towards delivering a comprehensive charging network that meets the needs of our residents and visitors".

Further charging points were planned for the city centre, as well as at community halls and sports centres, according to the council.

The scheme has been funded by Believ, a firm which provides public electric vehicle charging networks throughout the UK.

Guy Bartlett, CEO of the firm, said: "Our fully funded model allows local authorities to deliver high-quality, future-ready charging networks without the use of public funds.

"This project reflects our shared ambition to create cleaner air and more sustainable transport options for all."

Hundreds more charging points are set to be installed across West Yorkshire before 2028 after additional funding was put towards the scheme.

Rafique said the local authority was "supporting people to make more sustainable choices".

"Although the best choice is always cycling, walking or travelling by public transport, we know that this is not always an option," he added.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.