Decision details

The Chair welcomed County Councillor Shaun Turner, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, and Debbie King, Head of Environment and Climate to the meeting.

A presentation was provided on Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure in Lancashire. It covered provision, likely future demand, and the emerging programme of delivery through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to scale up local provision, particularly supporting those residents who did not have access to off-street parking. A copy of the presentation is set out in the minutes.

In response to questions from the committee, the following information was clarified:

·  The method of connecting EV chargers to existing lampposts had been successfully trailed elsewhere in the country and it was confirmed officers were engaging with other councils to explore options. It was acknowledged that using pre-existing infrastructure would be beneficial.

·  On commercial opportunities, it was highlighted that as all transport authorities would have access to the LEVI fund, an attractive proposition for commercial buyers would be needed to secure investment in Lancashire. A full procurement process would have to be undertaken given the value of the work.

·  Officers confirmed that the point of providing the funding was so that rural areas would not be left behind from the private sector's roll out of commercially viable charge points.

·  Regarding the ongoing cable tray pilot scheme, it was noted that the ability to park outside one's own property to meet their charging needs formed part of the eligibility criteria for applicants. Dedicated parking spaces were not provided. Feedback from residents in the trail on access to their charging points and any tensions with neighbours would be valuable in the scheme's progression.

·  Members queried options available for residents of terraced housing rows with limited access to parking. Officers explained that there were different options and technologies such as implementing charging hubs on disused land to serve multiple houses on terrace rows were being explored.

·  On availability of public EV chargers, the committee was informed that some companies had introduced overstay charges on machines in attempts to manage misuse by customers. In addition, customers were able to check availability and book charging slots on the relevant mobile app.

·  The county council's charge points would be subject to parking enforcement through Traffic Regulation Orders. However, private companies would be responsible for regulating use of their own charge points.

·  Potential charging sites were being identified via mapping methodology and included locations such as village hall car parks and council owned land.

·  It was confirmed that flood risk zones were a consideration for the mapping process, and that safeguards were built into charge points – should they come into contact with water, they would automatically shut down to ensure customer safety.

·  Accessibility issues would be considered when deciding on EV charge point locations.

·  Consultation with local communities and councillors would form an important part of the short-listing stage to ensure chargers were in user friendly locations and would benefit residents.

·  Officers confirmed that work was focused on identifying a long list of sites and that current estimations for sharing potential locations and working on land permissions would take place in the new year.

·  It was noted that EV charging technology was rapidly evolving and going forward, updates to and replacement of chargers would be incorporated into new contracts with providers.

·  Concerns were raised on the 2030 deadline for 36% electric car ownership within Lancashire. Officers highlighted that with new vehicles coming onto the market, it was important to put the infrastructure in ahead of the demand to allow EV ownership to catch up.

·  It was confirmed that income revenue streams from the charge points the county council installed would form a part of the procurement specification.

·  Members queried the current distribution of EV chargers across the county. Officers confirmed that district specific data would be circulated to the committee at a later date.

·  It was confirmed that mapping work was being shared with district councils to avoid any duplications with local projects.

Resolved: That;

(i)  A breakdown of charge points by district be circulated to all members of the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

(ii)  The proposals for potential locations be shared with all members of the Committee.

(iii)The Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change gives consideration to utilising all commercial opportunities available to the council in finalising the technical specification to procure an operator.