BCP Council will install most new electric vehicle chargers without reserving bays, after residents raised concerns about parking pressures across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Dedicated EV parking bays will be limited as chargers are installed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. BCP Council has backed an “install first, regulate later” approach for street based charging, after residents objected to proposals that would have reserved spaces for electric vehicles only. The project uses government funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme to improve charg
Dedicated EV parking bays will be limited as chargers are installed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
BCP Council has backed an “install first, regulate later” approach for street based charging, after residents objected to proposals that would have reserved spaces for electric vehicles only.
The project uses government funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme to improve charging access for residents without off street parking.
For the first phase, the council consulted on EV only bays at 33 locations. It said a “significant number” of objections were received at several sites, especially where residential parking is already under pressure.
Under the revised plan, chargers will be fitted at 27 of the 33 locations without EV only restrictions, so all motorists can still use the spaces. The council said this would keep current parking arrangements while helping residents to “consider switching to an EV”.
EV only bays will initially be used at East Overcliff Drive and Rolls Drive. Plans for Henville Road, Park Lake Road, St Anthony’s Road and St Michael’s Road have been dropped because installation issues remain.
The same principle will apply to a further 143 proposed charging locations unless dedicated bays are needed at destination sites.
