Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To review the usage of the rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charger in Stubbington Avenue car park since installation and consider opening it for usage by the general public.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation:

Notes the usage of the rapid EV charger in Stubbington Avenue car park;

Approves the opening of the charger for public usage;

Approves delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration to review the usage of each of the taxi and private hire vehicles (PHV) restricted rapid chargers after a period of at least 16 weeks from installation and open usage to the general public if there is not proven demand from the taxi and private hire trade.

Hayley Chivers introduced the report, detailing the recommendations and noting that the remaining Electric Vehicle charge points for taxis and private hire vehicles are yet to be installed.

Councillor questions

In response to Councillor questions the following points were clarified:

·         A bid for the third phase of residential charge points would be submitted shortly.  If successful, it would have to go through the procurement process meaning that from bid submission it could be 9 months to 1 year before any further residential points were installed.

·         There had been engagement with the Joint Air Quality Unit, who funded the taxi and private hire vehicle charge points.  Permission had been given to open them up to the general public if it could be demonstrated there was little usage.

·         If demand increased from the taxi trade the department would further consider who may use the charge points.

Councillor Comments

·         Members considered it sensible to go ahead with the proposal.

·         More information was needed on the PCC website in relation to the EV charging points, specifically in relation to the current bid submission and potential dates for the next phase of installation.  Hayley confirmed this would happen.

·         The decision would need to be reviewed on a regular basis should further taxis come online with electric vehicles.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

1.    Noted the usage of the rapid EV charger in Stubbington Avenue car park;

2.    Approved the opening of the charger for public usage;

3.    Approved delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration to review the usage of each of the taxi and private hire vehicles (PHV) restricted rapid chargers after a period of at least 16 weeks from installation and open usage to the general public if there is not proven demand from the taxi and private hire trade.