A NEW electric vehicle charger in Wareham is now operational.

The contactless device, which means electric vehicle drivers can tap their payment card and start charging, has been installed at the Howards Lane Car Park.

It has been funded by charging firm Mer, working with Dorset Council, Wareham Town Council.

The 50kW charger offers rapid charging for drivers seeking a quick and convenient top up, replenishing most batteries to around 80 per cent of charge in around 20 minutes, up to an hour.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel, said: “We are delighted that Wareham now has its own rapid charger for use by residents and visitors alike.

“Finding somewhere to locate charge points in this historic Anglo-Saxon walled town was a real challenge, but it’s vital that we continue to develop the vehicle charging infrastructure required across our county.

“It’s a great example of joint working between Dorset Council, Joju, Mer, and our colleagues at the town council to find a solution that will make a positive contribution to supporting EV owners and lowering carbon emissions.”

The charger comes after previous devices were installed at the Bonnets Lane car park in the town.

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Mayor of Wareham, Cllr Carol Turner, said: “Wareham Town Council are pleased to have this facility available to our residents and visitors in the centre of the town.

“The project was a welcome one, and meets our aspirations for a cleaner, greener Wareham.

“Its delivery has required the cooperation and coordination of a number of partners and stakeholders, and it has been gratifying to see everyone working together to deliver a successful conclusion to this scheme.”

Graeme Patton, head of EV charging at Joju, added: “It’s great to be working with our local authority partners and Mer to deliver EV charging infrastructure that will help support the switch to electric vehicles and assist councils in their commitment to become carbon-neutral, for the benefit of all residents and visitors.”