EV Charging Award: Cambridge City Council, Connected Kerb and Stripe Consulting

British Parking Awards 2024

Cambridge City Council has partnered with Connected Kerb, a UK provider of EV charging infrastructure, and parking specialist Stripe Consulting to establish a comprehensive public electric vehicle charging network. The phased deployment plan will see over 600 EV chargers installed throughout Cambridge.

The project aims to increase the adoption of electric vehicles locally and contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative aligns with the council’s goal to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a net zero Cambridge by 2030. Cambridge, known as ‘Britain’s Cycle City,’ is also advancing its commitment to sustainable transport through the partnership.

The EV driver user group in Cambridge includes residents, business owners, and visitors who own or use electric vehicles. This project also supports the decarbonisation of the council fleet, transitioning approximately 100 light goods vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV).

The 15-year public-private sector collaboration sees Connected Kerb deploying and maintaining a fully serviced EV charging system across the city’s off-street parking facilities. The scheme is fully funded by third parties, utilising a combination of OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and LEVI (Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funding, along with contributions from Connected Kerb. The council thus benefits from a no CAPEX/OPEX (Capital Expenditure/Operating Expenses) model.

Given Cambridge’s significant conservation heritage, the collaboration has focussed on designing EV charging points that blend with the environment, support future technologies like 5G and air quality sensors, and protect car park assets.

Stripe’s engineers conducted comprehensive reviews to ensure the integration of EV units did not compromise the structural integrity of the car parks. This process involved input from fire consultants, M&E consultants, and coordination with the fire brigade and insurers to ensure safety and asset protection.

Now in its second year, the project has expanded from four to 110 active EV chargers at key sites around the city centre. And the new Park Street car park will feature 225 EV charging bays, both live and passive, to meet future demand.

The delivery programme has initially targeted various central city locations to cater to different user needs with 24-hour access to charging points:

• Queen Anne Terrace (QAT) Car Park: This location serves visitors, staff, event attendees, sports enthusiasts, and business professionals. QAT has also been identified as a centralised EV hub due to its prominent city centre location.
• Grand Arcade Car Park: This car park supports shoppers, leisure visitors, and city centre tourists, facilitating easy access to charging for those visiting central shopping, leisure and historic areas.
• Grafton East and West Car Parks: These car parks are designed for those visiting the Grafton shopping centre, independent retailers, and nearby leisure facilities.
• Park Street Car Park: This location supports the charging needs of those involved in new developments, university activities and retail operations.

The second phase of installation focusses on creating equitable access to EV charging for residents in purely residential areas without driveways, at the following sites, these being:

• Cherry Hinton Hall car park
• Leete Road
• Sleaford Street
• St. Matthews Street
• Petworth Street
• St. Bede’s Crescent
• Gwydir Street North.

The initiative supports the growing community of EV drivers by providing essential infrastructure in convenient locations, promoting environmental sustainability, and encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles.

Cambridge City Council has been working closely with Connected Kerb and Stripe to enhance access to the council’s Shopmobility schemes for EV drivers. This initiative provides accessible, convenient EV charging solutions and free parking periods to cater to the needs of all users, including those with mobility challenges.

Winner’s words

Sean Cleary (Cambridge City Council): “I think this is a great example of tri-partnership working to ultimately deliver a solution that will benefit local residents at Cambridge City Council – not only residents, but also supporting businesses and events that are undertaken within the city centre.”

The British Parking Awards

Created and presented by Parking Review magazine, the British Parking Awards are an independent competition. The awards recognise the leading examples of car park management, enforcement, design and team work.

The British Parking Awards 2024 ceremony took place at the Royal Lancaster London on 13 September.

Read and download the 2025 WINNERS EDITION of PARKING REVIEW by clicking HERE

To find out more about the competition and next year’s event check out the official website.
www.britishparkingawards.uk