a) That the feedback from the engagement on the Council’s draft Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy (EVCS) be noted;
b) That the EVCS be approved;
c) That the Director of Environment and Transport, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, be authorised to review and amend the EVCS, to reflect changes in legislation and good practice, and in light of the outcomes from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Pilot Project and the availability of funding, to ensure the EVCS remains fit for purpose.
REASONS FOR DECISION
Although not a legal requirement, the Government has previously set an expectation that all upper tier local authorities develop a local Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy by the end of 2024/25, to underpin local public chargepoint delivery, and to meet the current and future charging needs of residents, businesses, and fleet operators.
It should be noted that the current Government, elected on 4 July 2024, remains committed to the ban of the future sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, and continues to support the transition to EVs by accelerating the rollout of new chargepoints.
Having an EV strategy in place will be a key element in supporting bids to secure EV funding from the Government, such as LEVI funding.
The EVCS is a key element in the delivery of the Council’s emerging Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2026-40 and will support the Authority’s net zero ambitions.