The number of electric vehicle charging points installed is to surge across Liverpool.
It was revealed in August that during 2018/19, almost 70 electric vehicle column charges in situ across the city failed. A report identified that the contract Liverpool Council entered into with supplier Ubitricity provided units of which only 30% were suitable for use, owing to “specialist nature of the equipment” making maintenance difficult.
Despite this, Cllr Dan Barrington, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said he had set the council’s highways team a target of 100 new points to be set up through a new scheme funded by the Government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) and Ubitricity. However, it is now expected that by the end of the financial year 2022/23, that number could triple to 300.
READ MORE: Urgent warning as households could face blackouts this winter
In a report to the select committee to be held next week, Cllr Barrington said: “I’m pleased that in August a report was agreed at cabinet for the installation of electrical vehicle charging points. I’ve set highways a target that I want to see 100 installed this financial year but it’s now likely that we’ll install 300.”
It is expected that the adoption of the new charging points will cost around half a million pounds. Proposed locations have been identified through resident requests received by the council for on-street EV column charging points.
These residents park on-street and do not have off-street parking and therefore do not have the opportunity to install a private charging point.
A cabinet briefing said that a lesson learned from the initial scheme four years ago identified that more than one EV charging point needs to be installed in each street to allow more residents to charge their vehicle. Therefore where possible, it is proposed to install at least two charge points within 100 metres of the postcode of the resident request to anticipate future demand and further encourage residents with cars to make the switch to electric.
It was said the new contract will ensure that maintenance sits with Ubitricity. “Target availability for all chargers will be 99% and this will be monitored by highways in conjunction with procurement team,” it added.
READ NEXT
King Charles' coronation 'date' with new UK bank holiday
DWP Cost of Living payment dates from now to Christmas
Boy, 10, with ASBO tried to become gang boss but got stabbed 27 times
Mum told 'don't worry' after finding pencil in Burger King order
Dad whose cold sore kiss killed son launched vile attack on ex partner
