Purpose

To obtain
approval from cabinet for this proposed new policy.

Content

The Cabinet
consider a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which
sought approval of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Cable Channel Policy
setting out the council’s plan for the rollout of EV charging
infrastructure in Rochdale.
 
The Portfolio
Holder Highways and Facilities delivered a brief summary of the
report’s key points.
 
The Policy Adviser
(Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) was in attendance to present the
information and to address questions and comments of the Cabinet
Members.
 
The Officer
informed that the aim of the policy was to provide, through the
council directly, a scheme by which Rochdale residents could
purchase, install and maintain cross-pavement channels outside
their property. This scheme would be exclusively for residents who
were reliant on on-street parking (i.e. without a driveway or a
designated bay in a car park).
 
Resolved that the Electric Vehicle
(EV) Cable Channel Policy (included in Appendix 1 to the report) be
approved.
 
Reason for
decision:
The Electric
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Policy outlined the
council’s strategy for the rollout of EV charging
infrastructure in Rochdale.  The
EVCI Policy highlighted the need for EVCI at terraced dwelling that
have no off-street parking available. These properties would be
reliant on publicly accessible charging and innovative Cross
Pavement Channels to provide charging for EVs.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
In late 2024 the
Government issued a white paper on options for footway channels to
Local Authorities. Two options were discussed within the white
paper.
A Local Authority
led and owned scheme. The alternative option considered in the
white paper was for a private sector led scheme with the Council
providing oversight through powers in the New Roads and Street
Works Act. The alternative was considered and rejected as it was
viewed that a private sector led option would be difficult to
monitor quality and in the event of a provider no longer operating,
the asset would revert to become the Council’s
responsibility, as per the New Roads and Street Works
Act.