Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee received its regular update report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

In response to questions about electric vehicle charging, the following points were noted.

• The Low Emission Neighbourhood Project Manager for the Barbican Area was heard and advised Members of progress in respect of the framework contract with Chargemaster and the intention to run a pilot of different options with a small number of bays across 4 or 5 car parks, in order to monitor usage.  Residents would also be surveyed in order to understand the best way forward.

• Funding was available this year from the Low Emission Neighbourhood grant, with further funding available in the next two financial years as well.

• Members noted that Chargemaster was one of the largest and best quality service providers on the market and the contract was aimed at public car parks.  However, should consultation indicate that dedicated bays would be preferable there were other options available i.e. TfL and Crown Commercial Services, which could provide other frameworks.  The City Solicitor advised Members that whilst parking bay licences referred to specific bays, the terms of the agreements allowed the City to relocate users to other bays, in which case the installation costs paid by the user would be lost. 

• Members noted the requirements of modern vehicles at 7kw, which had progressed considerably since electric vehicles were first introduced.  The contractor would provide the entire necessary infrastructure. 

• Given there were likely to be more queries arising from the installation, Members agreed that the project would benefit from a Working Group. Officers advised that Barbican Working Groups often consisted of 6-8 Members and could be established within a couple of weeks.  Mr Anderson and Mr Tomlinson indicated their interest in joining the group.

RESOLVED, that:

1.     The update report be noted.

2.     A Member/Officer Working Group be set up, consisting of BRC and RCC Members and Officers.