Agenda item

The Committee received an update on delivery of the Council’s Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure programme. It was reported that phase one had been completed, with 22 existing charging points replaced and 24 new units installed, resulting in 46 operational chargers across the Borough.

Phase two was expected to deliver a further 14 units, supported by £100k of funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Eight sites were initially installed; however, four units were later removed after residents raised concerns about the loss of on?street parking. Two units remained in place and were awaiting meter connections, with activation expected by the end of the month. Members were also advised that £1.2m of matched OZEV funding had been secured through a partnership with six London boroughs. Procurement for the next phase was underway, with potential locations identified and consultation reports being prepared for Member consideration.

Members raised concerns about the impact of EV charging points on residential parking, particularly in areas where properties did not have driveways. It was acknowledged that charging bays were publicly accessible and could not be reserved for individual households. Officers confirmed that site selection had been informed by mapping exercises, as well as requests from councillors and residents. It was noted that complaints had been received at a small number of locations, and units were removed where necessary in response.

Alternative solutions were discussed, including lamppost charging and cable gullies across footways. Officers confirmed that lamppost charging was being explored through the multi?borough partnership and that a further £90k of OZEV funding had been secured to support cable channel solutions, subject to procurement.

Members were advised that grid capacity constraints and approvals from UK Power Networks continued to impact delivery timescales. It was confirmed that phase one units were operational and that phase two units would go live following meter connections.

Charging speeds were discussed, with officers confirming that 22kW fast chargers had been installed at two locations, while most other locations used 7kW chargers due to supply limitations. Future funding would support a mix of slow on?street chargers and fast chargers in town centres and short?stay locations.

Members welcomed the largely grant?funded approach and emphasised the need for stronger planning requirements on developers and large retailers to reduce reliance on highway?based infrastructure. Lobbying of central government and the Greater London Authority was suggested.

In response to questions on fleet charging, officers advised that depot?based vehicles would charge on?site once infrastructure capacity allowed, while work was ongoing to identify suitable arrangements for staff?taken?home vehicles. Full depot electrification was reported to require significant infrastructure upgrades over several years.

The Committee requested a future update clarifying the circumstances and decision making around the removal of charging units. Members were advised that charging costs were set at 63p per kWh for residents and 65p for non?residents and that maintenance was managed by APCOA through a 24?hour monitoring service. The importance of future?proofing infrastructure and feeding back operational issues to suppliers was emphasised.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the contents of the report.