Redbridge will be one of the first in the UK to create a fast charging hub for electric vehicles thanks to £250k grant.

The hub at the council’s Ley Street Depot in Ilford, will feature at least four fast charging points, capable of fully charging an electric vehicle in under an hour.

The council says the scheme is targeted towards encouraging businesses to switch to electric vehicles.

The grant was awarded through the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund after the borough successfully bid to form a Business Low Emission Neighbourhood (BLEN) in and around Ley Street.

Further initiatives greenlighted under the project include widening the cycling lanes along the northern section of Ley Street leading up to the A12, and installing extra cycle stands.

More greenery and trees will also be added around the Ley Street and Horns Road junction of the A12, to provide a natural barrier against vehicle emissions for pedestrians.

Cllr John Howard, cabinet member of civic pride, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the BLEN funding, through which we’re now able to deliver a pioneering programme of air quality initiatives, including our landmark fast charging hub.

“As well as supporting businesses to make the switch to electrical vehicles, these initiatives will have a really positive impact on creating a cleaner, greener and safer environment for residents to take up more walking and cycling in the borough.

“We’re determined to be the front-runners for improving air quality to ensure Redbridge is one of the cleanest and greenest boroughs in London.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “Our dirty air is a national health crisis that contributes to thousands of premature deaths ever year. While bold action such as our Ultra Low Emission Zone is starting to make a difference in London, we want to ensure there is help for businesses and local communities who want to do the right thing and clean up the air in their neighbourhood.”

The initiatives being run under the Redbridge BLEN project will be delivered over a three-year period.