Liberal Democrats Slam EV Failure as Figures Reveal Southwark Installed Zero Chargers in the Last Year

Southwark Council installed zero electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the last year, a freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats has revealed during the national “Big Green Week”. 

This comes after the Labour-run council drew criticism for its decision to spend up to £8 million on leasing additional internal combustion engine vehicles, which was revealed to be due to the lack of charging infrastructure in the borough.  

This comes despite growing pressure to prepare for national zero-emission targets, and residents facing sky-high fuel and travel costs during a cost of living crisis. 

In 2019 the council unanimously declared a climate emergency, and later set out a commitment to ensure that every resident was within 5 minutes of a charging station – but the Liberal Democrats say that these new figures prove that these commitments are not being kept.  

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said: 

"While families are counting every penny, the Council is wasting millions of pounds on polluting vehicles, because they’ve failed to plan for the future. Failing to install a single charging point last year shows a shocking lack of ambition. 

"Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, cleaner to use, and essential for hitting our climate goals but Labour’s inaction is leaving residents behind. 

“Not only are families in Southwark unable to make use of cars that will save them money and help them to do their bit towards reducing emissions, but they’re also footing the bill for Labour’s polluting splurge. 

Labour's hollow promises are hitting residents in their pockets and continuing to pollute our air. "