Kerbside and lamppost EV chargers to be allowed across Devon
Devon County Council and Torbay Council are trying to make it easier for those without driveways to access charging
Last updated 13th Nov 2024
Some of the 180,000 households across Devon which are unable to charge vehicles at home could now be allowed to install chargers in their pavements.
Plans have have also been agreed to look at installing lamppost chargers as part of a major roll out of EV charging across the county.
Households would need planning permission in order to have parts of their kerbs dug up - and chargers installed in the pavement which could only be accessed via a key.
The change in policy would mean those who do not have a driveway, but do have a regular parking space, could charge where they park - with the cable being kept tucked away and secured when not in use.
The number of public chargers - in places like car parks and on streets - will also be increased with a focus on 'residential charging'.
From pavements, to roads and lamp posts - which areas have the right approach?
Devon County Council's cabinet today approved plans to try and create 2,000 publicly accessible charge points by 2030, working with Torbay Council which aims to create 800.
In 2023, the former Government announced a £450m LEVI Fund, run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, which was 'primarily aimed at residents without access to off-street parking'.
Devon was awarded one of the highest amounts of £7,067,000, with Torbay getting £958,000.
During today's meeting councillor Carole Whitton asked what will be done to existing fossil fuel charging stations - will they be transformed to support EV charging?
Councillor Phillip Twiss today told the meeting that because he lived in a rural area he had concerns about charging - which has put him off from using an EV at this time.
In 2021 we looked at how Devon was gearing up for an electric car revolution
Councillor Stuart Hughes, the cabinet member for transport at Devon County Council, said: "Devon is the lead contracting authority however officers have worked closely with parish and town councils as well as district partners to ensure the project delivers positive outcomes for as many of Devon’s residents as possible.
"We shall also be trialling footway cable channels which will allow residents to charge their private vehicles from their domestic supply at a fraction of the cost of commercial charge points.
Is Devon replacing one type of car congestion with another?
"The trials will take place initially in Exeter and Torbay as each footway cable channel requires planning permission and we shall of course roll out across Devon if trial is successful- as I see no reason why not."
Last year a joint report by councils and business groups - across the region - looked at how many are needed for locals - and also for the extra influx of tourists expected each Summer, suggesting the South West currently has roughly 2,500 public chargers and by 2030 will need 33,000.