EV chargepoints in the North West grow by 27% in a year

ELECTRIC car drivers and those looking to make the switch in the North West can get around with the confidence that a chargepoint will be close by, as a further 1,194 public chargepoints were added to the Region in the past year.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed there are now 5,669 public chargepoints in the North West; a 27% boost compared to July 2024.

The constant growth of chargepoints means local drivers and those thinking of buying an EV can drive with the increased confidence that public chargepoints are just a short drive away.

The new chargepoint numbers follow last week's announcement that drivers will soon enjoy discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, on top of a £25m boost to help more drivers charge at home and save up to £1,500 a year when switching to electric.

The Government is investing £4.5 billion to make it cheaper and easier to own an EV, while backing British carmakers to create jobs and drive investment; all part of the Plan for Change. This is securing the UK's position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption - with Britain the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year - while helping put more money in people's pockets.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:- "Just last week we announced record discounts to help make EV ownership a reality for thousands more people, alongside making it easier to charge at home so more drivers can run their EV for as little as 2p a mile. Today's chargepoint figures show that, alongside lowering upfront costs, we're also making fantastic progress towards expanding our charging network across the North West, helping put range anxiety firmly in the rear-view mirror."

The new Regional numbers come as national public chargepoint figures hit record levels of more than 82,000 across the UK.

The sustained growth in the charging network in all 4 corners of the country shows that this Government is firmly on the side of drivers, coming on top of a record £1.6 billion

to tackle potholes and keeping the 5p fuel duty freeze until spring 2026, saving the average motorist between:- £50 and £60 a year.

NEIL 'The Bus Walker' Atherton is returning to Liverpool City Region's streets this summer to raise vital funds and collect donations for local foodbanks.

Pushing his distinctive double decker-themed shopping trolley, the Arriva instructor from Widnes will pound the pavements every weekend during the summer holidays - following some of the Region's best known bus routes.

Having already raised an incredible £20,000 for national food bank charity The Trussel Trust in previous efforts, Neil, who was a recipient of a British Empire Medal in the 2023 New Year's Honours list, is now focusing his energy closer to home, supporting food banks throughout the Liverpool City Region.

His commitment is already making a huge impact, with more than £6,000 raised this year alone, following an impressive 50 mile walk in a single day in April. That epic journey saw him traverse from Southport to Runcorn, making stops at 6 depots including:- Bootle, Green Lane, St Helens, and Speke.

Now, for:- 'round 2' during the critical School holiday period when food banks face their highest demand, Neil is back on his feet, and he's not alone! He's brought along his custom made:- 'Bus Walker 1' shopping trolley, which he plans to weigh down with generous food donations collected along his routes.

Neil's inspiring mission was sparked by a powerful documentary on child food poverty in the North of England, which highlighted the struggles of families relying on food banks during School breaks.

"As a parent, I believe no child should ever go to bed hungry; yet sadly, this is the reality for many families in our Region today. I'm just 1 person with a trolley, but every step I take is about showing people they're not alone. If you're able to donate - even just a tin or a pound - it goes a long way." says Neil.

Speaking about Neil's amazing efforts, Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:- "People like Neil are what make our City Region so special. Literally going that extra mile, and some, to help those less fortunate should be celebrated; and what a great way to do it, mixing his profession and passion for buses covering some of our best-known routes. I'd encourage anyone who can to donate and help support such a worthy cause."

Neil's since 26 July 2025's:- 'Route 79C from Murdishaw to Hough Green' walking schedule promises to cover significant ground, covering:-

• 9 August:- Route 86A from John Lennon Airport to Liverpool
  

• 16 August:- Route 27 Liverpool Circular
  

• 23 August:- Route 12 from Rhyl to Llandudno
  

• 30 August:- Route 10A from St Helens to Liverpool

Several local food banks are rallying behind Neil, with representatives joining him for parts of his journey. These include the St Helens Food Pantry, Widnes Food Bank, New Beginnings Improving Lives, and both North and South branches of the Trussel Trust.

Neil's incredible year of fundraising will culminate in festive Santa Dashes across the Liverpool City Region and Cheshire, with all proceeds being distributed among the food banks he's championed along his routes.

You can support Neil's vital fundraiser and help feed local families by donating online.