Issue - meetings

Environmental Services and Sustainability Portfolio

To consider report PES/364 of the Head of Economy and Planning, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 22 June 2020.

The Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability presented report PES/364 of the Head of Economy and Planning.  In December 2019, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) adopted an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy which set out a plan to procure a supplier to deliver a county-wide EV charging network.  It had been requested that Crawley Borough Council partake in the scheme and nominate sites for the erection of EV charging points.

Councillor Rana presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 22 June 2020, which included:

·       Reduced emissions were welcomed but it was noted that the vehicle batteries had a finite lifetime and could not be recycled - however there were second uses for batteries such as energy storage. 

·       The additional pressure on the existing power infrastructure should be considered.

·       Recognition that the list of sites was not definitive nor confirmed and was also in addition to those proposed by WSCC, and that there was currently an option to recommend sites on the WSCC website.

·       Concerns surrounding the number of spaces and potential concentration of the sites, which may overwhelm some areas.  Consultation with ward Councillors would be welcomed.

·       Acknowledgement that the issue of parking remained throughout the town and enforcement could take place through the usual channels for penalty use of EV charging points.

Councillors P Smith, Lamb, Mullins, and Jhans spoke as part of the discussion on the report.  Cabinet Members expressed general support for the proposals, and it was noted that creation of sufficient infrastructure for EV would facilitate a reduction in carbon emissions.  The figure that 30% of households in the borough do not have off-road parking and thus would be unable to install an EV charging point was queried.  Concerns were also raised about the potentially inhibitory cost of electric cars.  It was recognised that there would be potential for the Council to suggest changes to the WSCC strategy, including the charging point sites, at a later date.

A recorded vote was taken on the recommendations in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendations, along with any abstentions, are recorded as set out below:

For the recommendations:

Councillors Irvine, Jhans, Lamb, Mullins, and P Smith. (5)

Against the recommendations:

None.

Abstentions:

None.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet

a)         approves, in principle that the Council takes part in the EV Charging Infrastructure Network scheme, led by WSCC who will procure an EV infrastructure provider, through a concession contract to deliver an extensive EV charging network across the Borough.

b)         delegates authority to the Head of Economy and Planning, to undertake further discussions with WSCC, including consideration of any necessary associated documentation to progress the delivery of these services to benefit the borough.*

c)         delegates authority to the Head of Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Environmental  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9

To consider report PES/364 of the Head of Economy and Planning.

The Commission considered report PES/364 of the Head of Economy and Planning.  The report sought to approve the partnering with WSCC, along with other districts and boroughs across the county, on a scheme to develop an extensive county-wide EV charging network, by nominating sites in the borough council’s ownership to be part of this EV charging network.

During the discussion with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability, Head of Economy and Planning and the Sustainability Manager, the following comments were made:

·       Reduced emissions were welcomed but it was noted that the vehicle batteries had a finite lifetime and could not be recycled.  However there were second uses for batteries like energy storage.  There was a discussion about hydrogen vehicles as an alternative to EVs. It was noted that there were a small number of hydrogen vehicles on the market but they were still very expensive and the re-filling infrastructure was not yet widespread and was technically challenging.

·       It was noted that throughout the programme of work the additional pressure on the existing power infrastructure should be considered.

·       Recognition that the list of sites was not definitive or confirmed and was also in addition to those proposed by WSCC.  There was currently an option to recommend sites on the WSCC website

·       Whilst supportive of the report there was concern raised surrounding the number of spaces and potential concentration of the sites, which may overwhelm some areas.  Consultation with ward Members would be welcomed in order gain an understanding of the local area during any feasibility studies.

·       Clarification was provided on fast and rapid charge points together with further information on the main types of charging infrastructure.

·       It was noted that the procurement would be managed by WSCC and further discussion took place surrounding the Real Living Wage.

·       Acknowledgement that the issue of parking remained throughout the town and enforcement could take place through the usual channels for penalty use of EV charging points.

RESOLVED

That the Commission notes the report and requests that the views expressed during the debate, are fed back to the Cabinet through the Commission’s Comment Sheet.