Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, that provided an update on the following two projects relating to electric vehicles and the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points:

      i.        Project 1 – Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Points; and

    ii.        Project 2 – Electric Taxi Support Project.

            With regard to Project 1, following an extensive consultation with a number of communities. It was proposed that a further bid to The Office of Zero Emissions (OZEV) would be made for a further six electric charging points in each of the following locations:

·         Mersey Road, Runcorn;

·         Brindley Street Car Park, Runcorn;

·         Catalyst Museum Car Park, Widnes;

·         Sharp Street, Widnes;

·         Crow Wood Place Car Park, Widnes;

·         Bechers Hough Green, Widnes; and

·         Wharford Lane, Sandymoor.

            Members were advised that following feedback from phase one, which was delivered during 2020, it was proposed that a limited number of the bays (1-2) would be marked for EV use only and this would be followed up with a supporting Traffic Order to allow enforcement.

            In respect of Project 2, an EV Taxi awareness day was held at the Halton Stadium in September 2021. A dozen vehicles were on display and approximately 70 drivers attended the event. It was noted that feedback showed that most found the event very useful and informative. It was proposed that subject to funding being identified, an incentive scheme would be developed to encourage taxi drivers to convert to electric vehicles. The scheme would be presented to a future Board meeting.

            Arising from the discussion on the locations chosen for Project 1, the Board was advised that the areas chosen had provided the biggest response to the consultation exercise and met the criteria. Some areas considered for the scheme that met the criteria however residents had highlighted concerns regarding the existing demand for parking spaces and the impact removing spaces for electrical vehicles would bring.

            In addition, the Board noted that in areas where car parks were owned by social landlords, Officers could look to work with them to apply for grant funding.

            RESOLVED: That the Board supports the initiatives outlined in the report.