Labour MP Sarah Edwards has lent her backing to a nationwide campaign calling for better access to EV charging at major UK tourist destinations – starting with the historic Tamworth Castle.

Edwards met campaign representatives and local stakeholders at the iconic castle to sign the Bon VoyCharge campaign car, which is touring MP constituencies and landmark UK sites this summer ahead of the Labour Party Conference this autumn.

The Bon VoyCharge campaign – led by the BVRLA and supported by partners across the vehicle rental, EV charging, tourism and hospitality industries – is pushing for more destination charging, including at castles, theme parks, hotels and holiday resorts. Such locations are often overlooked in the UK’s charging rollout, yet they play a vital role in boosting EV adoption and supporting regional economies.

In 2024, the UK welcomed 41.2 million international visitors and hosted 106 million overnight stays by British residents. Yet only around 7,500 EV charge points exist at tourism-related locations – signalling a major opportunity for growth.

The Bon VoyCharge initiative shines a light on the need to plan and install destination chargers at tourist destinations such as Tamworth Castle, to attract visitors, encourage them to stay longer and explore the UK more sustainably.

Sarah Edwards, MP for Tamworth, said: “If we’re serious about making EVs a practical option for everyone, charging points at key destinations like this are essential. They give people the confidence to explore our towns and cities in an electric vehicle, knowing they can recharge while enjoying all we have to offer. By enabling EV drivers to recharge at our local treasures, we not only reduce emissions, we also encourage tourism, boost local spending, and future-proof our attractions.”

Tom McLennan, director of policy and public affairs at the BVRLA, picked up: “Local leadership is key to closing the gaps in our national charging network. Destination charging isn’t just about convenience – it’s about unlocking the economic, environmental, and tourism benefits that come with a confident, connected EV network. We look forward to working with Sarah and other MPs to make this vision a reality.”

Tamworth Castle currently has eight rapid chargers in the Castle Pleasure Grounds car park, formally known as Riverdrive.

The charging points are part of Tamworth Borough Council’s decision to adopt the Staffordshire County Council’s electric vehicle charging strategy, which will see more than three thousand charge points installed across Staffordshire over the next seven years.

Lara Rowe, representing Tamworth Castle, added: “Tamworth Castle has been welcoming visitors for centuries, and we want to make sure we’re ready for the next century, too. Installing EV charging is part of that commitment – making it easier for people to visit sustainably and enjoy everything our historic site has to offer.”