Issue - items at meetings - Electric Vehicle Charging

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached).

(1)         That the Cabinet Member gives approval to proceed with the introduction of the Electric Vehicle Charging Points scheme in Brighton & Hove as set out in this report.

43.1         The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Environment concerning the installation of on-street charging points for electric vehicles in the city (for copy see minute book).

43.2         The Cabinet Member reported that as the Council had received no objections or representations to the traffic order it could proceed without his approval and, therefore, no decision on recommendation 2.2 of the report was required.

43.3         In response to a query from Councillor Mitchell concerning vandalism the Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport explained that the charging points were robust and would be as secure as possible; he added that no problems had been reported in London, where the charging points were already being utilised.

43.4         Councillor Rufus welcomed the installation of the charging points, particularly as they would be located in the Air Quality Management Zone.

43.5         In response to questions from Councillor Rufus the Cabinet Member explained that eight additional charging points would be installed using the Civitas funding and that the expectation was to continue maintaining the points following the completion of the Civitas project.

43.6         The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport added that maintenance costs would be low and the Council would be looking for partners to share the cost, particularly if further charging points were to be installed. He also explained that electric vehicles would not be able to park in the charging spaces unless they were being charged and this would be shown by indicator lights on the points.

43.7         RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That approval be given to proceed with the introduction of the Electric Vehicle Charging Points scheme in Brighton & Hove as set out in this report.