Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Car Parks

We have installed a network of public charge points across West Berkshire with Mer, BP and Swarco (also known as Evolt Charging) to meet the needs of the growing number of electric vehicles and  demand for charging amenities. Providing charge points is a step towards a more sustainable district and we hope to encourage the uptake of low emission vehicles.

Each Mer 22kW fast charger is capable of charging two vehicles at once and can be found at:

• Lambourn High Street Public Car Park (1 charge point - Mer)
• Thatcham Gilbert Court Public Car Park (1 charge point - Mer)
• Newbury Library Public Car Park (2 charge points - Mer)
• Pangbourne Station Road Public Car Park (1 charge point - Mer)
• Northcroft Leisure Centre Car Park (1 charge point - Mer)
• Newbury Central Car Park (1x 50kW DC rapid charger, capacity for 1 vehicle only - Mer) 

To find more Mer public charge points, please visit their Driver Portal Map. No registration is required to see a charger's location and charge on the Mer network.

Each BP 22kW fast charger is capable of charging two vehicles at once and can be found at:

• Newbury Station Car Park (2 charge points - BP)

For more information on BP Charge Points, please see below (in BP charging point section). 

Each new Swarco 22kW fast charger is capable of charging two vehicles at once and can be found at:

• Kennet Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, Top Floor (Level 3, Top Floor), 1 public chargepoint (note: due to site capacity, this chargepoint has load balancing; please see below for more information)

To find more Swarco public charge points visit Zapmap, a publicly available website or app Zapmap. Zapmap can also be used to find Mer and BP charge points in the local area. No registration is required to see a charger's location and charge on the Swarco network.

How to use Swarco/Evolt Charging charge points

Swarco is also known as Evolt Charging, therefore, if you see branding for either, they are the same company. All Swarco charge points will have contactless payment available. If you do not want to register, create an account or top-up a balance.

For more information on how the Swarco charge points operate, please follow this link Swarco E.Connect webpay Help. In this link, there is mention of "we carry out a 'pre-auth' transaction on your card prior to a session taking place." West Berkshire Council registered Swarco/Evolt Charging points do not have a 'pre-auth' transaction. Please feel free to contact us on this topic for any further information.

Please note, parking fees apply while charging; please refer to car park signage.

How to use Mer charge points

You can charge as a guest user or a registered user. Read our simple  instructions guide here [200KB] (also found on the charge point). More instructions on how to charge and payment methods can be found here.

To consult Mer prices and roaming partners, visit their pricing page.

Please note, parking fees apply while charging, please refer to car park signage.

How to use BP Charging Points

In order to use the charging point, you need to be registered with BP Pulse. You can register on the BP Pulse network website or via their smartphone app (available on Android and Apple devices).

You will need to use your own cable to connect to the charge point.

You can use the interactive map on the BP Pulse network website to see if the charge points are currently in use.

Fees for using the charging points are decided by BP Pulse - check their website for further information.

Please note, parking fees apply while charging, please refer to car park signage.

Reporting an issue with a Swarco/Evolt Charging charger

If you encounter any issues with Swarco/Evolt Charging chargers, the contact telephone number is opertational 24/7 and the number to call is 0208 515 8444. This number is due to change to a free-to-call phone number; we will update the this as soon as the change has been made.

For any email queries, please contact driverssupport.uk@swarco.com

Reporting an issue with a Mer charger

If you are experiencing an issue with a Mer charge point, please contact them 24/7 on 020 3884 2768. For non-urgent enquiries, email hello.uk@mer.eco

Kennet Centre Multi-Storey Car Park

The Newbury Kennet Centre Multi-Storey Car Park has one electric vehicle charger available to the public which is able to charge two vehicles at the same time. This is located on the top floor next to the public access way and lifts down to the ground floor. Charging for the general public is available on the electric vehicle charger on the right, furthest from the public access way and lifts down to the ground floor.

You must only use the bays for charging your vehicle. You will need to pay the appropriate parking fee for the duration of your stay, in addition to any fees incurred by using the charging point (please see above for Swarco Charge Points).

Load Balancing Explanation for Electric Vehicle Chargers

When a charger has been identified as Load Balancing, this has a potential to lower the maximum power output of the charger to a minimum of 7kW. This is due to the power usage at the time of charging within the Car Park or the other Swarco Charge points impacting the power input to the charger, however, as a standard each charge point will output at 22kW.

Car Club

Newbury Car Club vehicles can use the third bay from the wall on the Top floor marked with Car Club of Newbury Kennet Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, and the dedicated bay in the Newbury Eight Bells Arcade Car Park.

Vehicles must be actively charging to park in the designated Electric Vehicle charging bays. Any vehicle not charging may incur a Penalty Charge Notice. 

Further information about parking enforcement can be found here. 

Please note: there are also a number of third party charging stations throughout West Berkshire - check Zap Map for the latest information.