Issue - decisions

Recommendations

That the Cabinet Member for Environment and City Management approved:

That this report be open for general release.

          The proposal for expansion of Electric Vehicle Charing Points (EVCPs) to provide more varied charging opportunities to drivers.

          That the following contracts award strategy be approved to increase the number of charge points on the public highway:

·         To utilise the GULCS framework to issue a direct award to provide principally lamp column trickle charge points to residents

·         To utilise the TfL framework to run mini competitions to further transition rest and refreshment taxi ranks in the City and also to deliver a number of publically available rapid chargers alongside dedicated EV only bays

·         To utilise the varied Pan London Scheme Agreement with BPL to expand the number 7kW fast chargers and to introduce 22kW fast chargers on to the City highway        

Reasons for Decision 

The increasing number of EVs operating in Westminster, notably the increase in EVs driven by residents, as well as commercial vehicles, it is essential that sufficient charging infrastructure is in place to meet demand.  In addition, and considering the lack of off street parking available in the City, an increase in charging infrastructure will give more driver confidence in making the transition away from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, which will have a positive impact on air quality in the City.  This corresponds with the commitments made to EV charging infrastructure growth set out in the City Council’s Air Quality Manifesto published in March 2018. 

The proposal sought to provide a route for expansion on the available Electric Vehicle Charge Points (EVCP) in the City.