May I correct the somewhat inaccurate letter from John Inskip regarding electric car charging points (Times, February 11).

Our first rapid charging post at George Yard was an externally funded project comprising Government Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant and private sector contribution from Siemens and Nissan. 

We have also installed charging posts at our leisure centres and at Causeway House. We contributed, but again a significant part of the cost was met by OLEV grants.

The income we receive from their use covers the ongoing operating/maintenance costs.

We have EV charging posts going into our new developments at Manor St, Enterprise Centre and Horizon 120, but these are part of the developments and meet the Planning Authority’s requirement of installing charging posts in new developments.

The current project installing banks of EV charging posts in our town centre car parks is fully funded by both OLEV grant and private sector contribution and therefore at no cost to the council taxpayers.

Finally, I am sure Mr Inskip will warmly welcome the additional £500m funding to local authorities announced this week by the Government to fix potholes.

Councillor Graham Butland
Leader, Braintree District Council