The Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, school streets, and the committee's work programme. The committee agreed to apply for a government grant to trial cross-pavement charging gullies¹ and requested that officers explore a trial of the scheme, prioritising blue badge holders, and then report back to the committee. The committee also discussed expanding the school streets programme to secondary and independent schools.

Electric Vehicle Charging

The committee discussed measures to improve access to EV charging to encourage residents to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles. Andy Flood, Principal Transport Planner, presented a report on electric vehicle charging, highlighting that Wandsworth has the fourth highest number of public charge points among London boroughs, with 527 charge points per 100,000 population, nearly double the London average.

EV Charging Infrastructure

The number of electric vehicles registered in Wandsworth continues to grow, with about 8% of all registered vehicles being plug-in electric. Forecasts indicate that one in five cars in Wandsworth will be battery electric vehicles by 2030, necessitating increased charging provisions. The council has been providing public charging facilities through various contracts, including lamp column charge points and freestanding charge points. Residents can request charge points via the council website, and over 1,650 public charge points have been delivered in response to more than 4,300 requests.

Improving Access to Charging

The council plans to improve access to existing charging infrastructure by dedicating parking bays next to lamp column charge points. A trial showed a 250% increase in utilisation when bays were dedicated to EV charging. The council intends to roll out 50 to 100 more dedicated bays in areas where residents report difficulty accessing charging.

Home Charging and Cross-Pavement Solutions

The committee then discussed home charging, with Andy Flood explaining that residents with off-street parking can access cheaper electricity. However, some residents without off-street parking run cables across the pavement, which is not permitted under the Highways Act 1980. The council is not currently enforcing this rule if the cables are safely positioned and covered.

To address this, the government has announced a £25 million grant scheme to support the installation of cross-pavement gullies, with Wandsworth allocated £131,000. These gullies allow cables to be laid within the footway, eliminating trip hazards. Mark Fletcher, EV lead at London Councils, and Richard Evans, policy and project officer in the EV team at London Councils, presented London Councils' guidance on cross-pavement solutions, outlining the benefits and challenges.

Concerns and Considerations

Councillors raised concerns about the practicality and popularity of cross-pavement gullies. Councillor Hamilton suggested trialling the scheme in one ward to assess its viability and public acceptance. He also raised concerns about the potential for abandoned infrastructure and the need for ongoing maintenance. Councillor Lawless questioned the council's capacity to install the gullies if the scheme proves popular.

Councillor Owens asked about dedicated parking bays, questioning how the council collects information about access issues and whether more bays are planned. Councillor Critchard raised concerns about the impact of cutting up new pavements and suggested prioritising blue badge holders in any trial. Councillor Belton asked about insurance issues related to lamp column charge points and the characteristics of pavements suitable for gullies.

Committee Decision

The committee agreed to apply for the government grant and explore a trial of the cross-pavement gully scheme, with feasibility to be undertaken as to a trial once if that grant is successful. The committee also agreed that officers would consider prioritising blue badge holders in the trial, and that the issue would return to committee for an update.

School Streets Monitoring and Progress Update

The committee received an update on the school streets programme, which aims to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and encourage active travel around schools. Rafael Younger, a transport planner, presented the report, highlighting that there are currently 30 school streets serving 32 schools in Wandsworth. Amanda Robertson, head teacher of Beatrix Potter School, shared her experiences with the school street implementation, noting the positive impact on safety and parental anxiety.

Programme Expansion and Enforcement

The council has been expanding the programme, prioritising primary schools. The remaining schools are either unsuitable, have declined participation, or require further consideration. The council is now looking to broaden participation by engaging with secondary and independent schools. Enforcement methods vary, including barriers, volunteers, and ANPR² cameras. The council is also trialling mobile CCTV enforcement and enhanced signage to improve compliance.

Concerns and Considerations

Councillor Locker requested statistics on the effectiveness of ANPR cameras over time and whether driving apps are updated to reflect school street closures. Councillor Critchard asked about the timeline for spending the remaining budget and how to encourage more schools to participate. She also suggested using the funding for safe routes to school for secondary school children. Councillor Owens asked about interventions for schools that do not want a school street and the criteria for zebra crossings.

Councillor Belton requested information about Chesterton Primary in Battersea Park ward. Councillor Critchard asked about improving traffic around special needs schools, particularly Broadwater School.

Further Actions

Officers agreed to provide more data on ANPR effectiveness and to contact Councillor Belton regarding Chesterton Primary School. They also noted the suggestions for safe routes to school and interventions for schools that do not want a school street.

Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Work Programme

Michael Flowers, Democratic Services Officer, presented the proposed work programme for the committee, outlining the planned agenda items for upcoming meetings. The committee discussed potential topics for future meetings, including delivery bikes and Putney High Street.

Delivery Bikes

Councillor Mayorcas introduced the topic of delivery bikes, highlighting issues such as illegally modified e-bikes, anti-social behaviour, and pavement clutter. The committee agreed to include a broad overview of delivery bikes in the November meeting, with a potential deep dive into a specific area in February.

Other Suggestions

Councillor Cooper suggested a cross-cutting investigation with the health committee to address the health and welfare of delivery riders. Councillor Hamilton requested an update on the proposed revisions of the local plan. Councillor Locker suggested a post-implementation review of major schemes and raised the issue of the Wandsworth one-way system. Councillor Yates provided an update on the Wandsworth one-way system, noting that a public engagement exercise is underway.