Content

To approve recommendations as set out in
Section 3 of this report.

Reasons for the decision

As part of the council’s policy to
promote and encourage the uptake of Electric Vehicles, the council
introduced 24 Lamp Column Charging Points at various locations in
the borough. These EV points were installed in 2020.
As dedicated parking bays were not introduced for these EV points,
the council have been receiving concerns from some residents that
they are having problems accessing these EV points.

In 2021, advisory signs were installed at the locations to advice
motorists to keep the locations clear if not charging with the aim
to help with access for electric vehicle owners. However, the issue
remains, and we have received complaints from residents that these
charging points are been blocked by other non-EV owner residents,
resulting in local EV owners unable to access. Therefore, the
council propose to introduce designate parking bays adjacent to
these existing LC EVCPs, to ensure accessibility to users.

Designated parking bays are not usually provided at lamp column
electric vehicle charging point (LCEVP) locations - and this is the
case in all the local authorities. The points were installed with
an understanding that residents can use the spaces with
consideration amongst themselves.

Alternative options considered

An alternative considered was to
‘not’ undertake the introduction of these designated
bays. However, this is not recommended as it would be against the
Councils responsibilities to manage parking and parking demands as
the highway authority for the borough. It’s also the
council’s policy to encourage a sustainable mode of transport
to support the borough in delivering its carbon reduction targets
and air quality improvements.