Official opening

The Lambeth charging post was officially opened by Kate Hoey, MP for Vauxhall (Labour) on Thursday 15th April 1999. The opening was attended by about 80 people made up of official guests, neighbours, family and members of the media. There was also a film crew from the Tomorrow's World "Dream wheels" team preparing material for broadcast in the autumn with Mike Smith as presenter.

Ms Hoey arrived at the wheel of the Peugeot 106 Electric, parking at 12:30 in the parking bay marked "ELECTRIC VEHICLE". She proceeded to make the electrical connection removing a coloured tape from around the door of the London Electricity charging post to declare it open. Once the electrical connection was completed, the Peugeot indicators flashed demonstrating initiation of charging.

There were speeches by Ms Hoey and Simon Roberts (Principal of CCCC). Finally they were joined by the family of Simon Roberts to pose for the cameras. A number of other electric vehicles were exhibited in the street. The opening was supported by The Renewable Energy Company who generously provided a lunch.