Is there a need for an Electric Vehicle and Hydrogen charging on this road? 

There is a national and local need for renewable energy roadside charging facilities. Approximately 30,000 vehicles use the A34 each day, however driving northbound there is no westside service area between Tothill Services (south of Newbury) and the services just south of the A34/M40 interchange at Bicester without having to leave the A34 dual carriageway. This is a distance of 40 miles without easily accessible services (illustrated on the map below). Whilst we recognise that there are services located on the A34 at Chieveley and Milton Interchange, these are located on the southbound carriageway and not as easily accessible for northbound drivers.

Highways England recommends that the distance between service stations should be no more than 28 miles (or 30 minutes’ drive time) on motorways. Whilst the A34 is not a motorway, it takes even longer to travel the 40 miles between Tothill Services and Bicester than it would on a motorway, and this facility would provide drivers with a place to stop, refresh and replenish their fuel.

Will the EV/Hydrogen charging facilities benefit the local area and local residents?

Chilton Services will provide sustainable charging in a location which is easily accessible to both the local residents of Chilton village and to Harwell Campus employees travelling to and from work – both north and southbound.

 Creating a greener environment

Chilton Services will support the development of a greener environment, by encouraging the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in our cities, but due to their limited range they are underused on longer journeys, where electric car charging points are few and far between. Chilton Services will encourage their use on the A34 by providing this service where there is currently none available on the A34 northbound for 40 miles.