Agenda item

Richard LeBrun presented the report which updated the position on EV charging points since the meeting in November. To date BP Pulse haven’t been able to provide the information the council needed and therefore they are approaching other charging companies to look at best solutions. This includes looking at all 26 car parks in the Borough. The issue from the negotiations is these new companies are wanting a 15-25 year lease due to the cost incurred which is a long period of time and is a risk. Having contacted these new companies the next stage is to look at procurement and this will involve contacting the Distribution Network Operator about the electricity provision available. The Council can only do so much but will encourage not only new housing developments but also businesses and supermarkets to have EV charging points to help meet the need for electric vehicles for 2030. R LeBrun advised that Herts County Council aren’t willing to put in any on street EV charging points currently due to the cost and the risk of outdated technology.

The Council is also looking at its own vehicle fleet over the upcoming 5-10 years to be more environmentally friendly. This all feeds into a bigger communication, engagement and guidance package that needs to take place. He advised the Council would be engaging with the community to encourage others to add to this agenda.

He welcomed questions from the committee.

Councillor Symington thanked the officers for the report as she had been asking for an update for some time. However, she expressed her frustration and disappointment that this subject was moving so slowly. She asked what engagement was needed with other third parties to help this move forward. She then referred to the data and highlighted Dacorum as a borough it sits below the average for EV charging points in Hertfordshire per 100,000 population. Councillor Symington wanted reassurance that the council will work faster on this.

R LeBrun appreciated the frustration. He said community engagement was vital in the success of EV charging points and the climate emergency.  He said it was hoped that BP Pulse would be able to provide what was required and once it was discovered that they couldn’t officers moved quickly to look at other options. He reassured the committee that this was a priority and officers will do everything they can to put the strategy in place as soon as possible.

Councillor Townsend asked that any knowledge on EV charging points is shared with Tring Town Council who are embarking on their own EV strategy. This was agreed.

Councillor Symington wanted to propose an amendment to ensure there was an urgent commercial procurement exercise across Dacorum’s car parks within the next 2 months.

Councillor Douris understood the urgency but commented that this couldn’t be agreed from his perspective given the state of finances globally and nationally. He felt it would be irresponsible to rush the exploration of contracts.

Councillor Adeleke said the report made it clear this was emerging technology and there were developments to come. He was satisfied that officers would come back to the committee when they had the updates.

Councillor Birnie also felt enforcing a 2 month timescale was premature.

A vote was taken on the proposal to amend the recommendation:

For: 2

Against: 4

Therefore the amendment to the recommendation failed.

Outcome:

The report was noted.