New electric vehicle charging points planned across Norwich delayed
There's no new date set for when they are likely to be in place
Last updated 21st Aug 2023
Plans to install essential electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Norwich have been delayed, with no new date set for when they are likely to be in place.
Some 46 new publicly accessible charge points were expected to be put in place in streets across Norwich this summer.
But the initiative has seen a significant hold-up while Norfolk County Council (NCC) carries out a “reassessment” of the project after fears were raised about the chargers taking up too much room on pavements, impeding people in wheelchairs and parents with buggies.
Despite the setback, the Conservative-led authority insists it “remains committed” to the project and a new date will be revealed soon.
NCC’s Labour group has expressed frustration at the delay, arguing that the authority should have listened earlier on.
"Increasingly worried"
Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at County Hall, said: “I am increasingly worried the Conservatives haven’t got a grip on roads and traffic policy.
“This is the latest in a string of delays, u-turns, rethinks and frustrations. Whatever the issues causing this delay, they should have been foreseen.
“Labour wants decisions on traffic and roads taken closer to those affected. Here’s another good example of why that makes sense, and how shortsighted the Tories at County Hall are in pretending they know best.”
Public feedback
A spokeswoman for NCC said the delay comes as a result of the “fantastic amount” of public feedback, which they have taken on board “where possible”.
She said: “As the first project of its kind in the county, we want to ensure we have the best solution and provide infrastructure that is fit for purpose both now and for the future.
“Because of this, we have decided to undertake design reassessments of the proposals at some of the sites.
“This redesign process is being undertaken over the next four weeks and as the designs are completed the project’s timescales will be updated.
“We will be able to provide more information on amended plans and timescales for delivery in September.”
The delay will add no cost to the taxpayer, with Blink – the company behind the work – fully funding the installation and ongoing maintenance of the equipment, while UK Power Networks identified locations and ensured the electricity grid can support the charge points.
Campaigner Lucy Hall, who lives in Walpole Street, near Chapelfield Gardens, is among those to have welcomed the reassessment.
Ms Hall, who is part of Living Streets – a charity which looks to achieve a better walking environment – said she hopes the delay would see the council ensure as much space as possible can be provided for pedestrians.
While Ms Hall said EV chargers are needed, they should not come at the expense of people using pavements, and instead, she would like to see them on new platforms placed on space currently used for parking.
"A threat to public space"
Liam Calvert, a Green councillor who has previously raised concerns that chargers could be a “threat to public space” if they take up room needed by pedestrians also welcomed the move.
He said it was “encouraging” for the council to take into account consultation responses and address the concerns raised about accessibility issues in their plans.
“This shows that meaningful engagement with the public is vital for any infrastructure project and should be planned in from the start so that people’s views are listened to,” he said.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who previously called the Green’s concerns over EV chargers being on pavements a “strange agenda” has also embraced the delay.
She called the project “exciting and important” for Norwich and Norfolk.
“It is vitally important that charging points are well designed so that everyone can be part of a sensible transition to electric vehicles,” she said.
“It is wise to listen to residents’ feedback and act carefully, so taxpayers’ money is not wasted.”