Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Electric car points – council asks for your suggestions
Roadside charging points for electric cars could soon be installed on the streets of the district.
The city council has unveiled plans to create 10 new bays next to pavement sockets capable of charging up to two cars at a time.
Potential places are still being sought, with the public asked to make suggestions.
The feedback will form part of the council’s bid for £30,000 of government funding.
Cllr Ben Fitter-harding says electric cars are “undoubtedly the future” but is unsure of how well-used the charging points will be.
He said: “The situation with electric vehicles is classic chicken and egg.
“People may not be buying these vehicles due to a lack of charging points, but would providing this equipment encourage people to buy them? Or is the interest just not there yet? We simply don’t know, and that’s why we’re asking.”
There are now charging points at the city’s three park and ride car parks and at the council offices in Military Road.
New places will only be considered where people cannot charge from their own property because of a lack of off-street parking.
Cllr Fitter-harding said: “There are many things to think about. We will have to lose ordinary parking in order to create the charging bays. We also need to consider how it works in residents’ permits areas. If people are paying to park near their homes, a reduction in bays could make it harder for them to park.”
To suggest a spot for on-street charging points, email transportation@canterbury.gov.uk or comment on the council’s Facebook or Twitter pages by Friday, December 22.