Fears EV charging trial could spark parking rows

COUNCIL plans to allow drivers to charge electric vehicles outside their homes could be destined to fail because there is nothing to stop someone else taking the space.

- ALEX SEABROOK

A trial next year will see gullies dug into the pavement so that cables can run from houses flush with the pavement onto parking spots on the road.

Bristol City Council is hoping the trial will encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, as one obstacle at the moment is the lack of ability to charge cars at homes without driveways. Charging at home tends to be much cheaper than public charging points, and more convenient.

However, even if drivers pay for gullies to be dug, there is no guarantee that the parking spot outside their house will be available. Other drivers will be able to park in that spot instead, which would stop them from being able to charge their electric vehicle.

Many parts of Bristol are made up of Victorian terraces with no driveways, leaving motorists struggling to find a parking spot near their home.

The plans were approved by councillors on the transport policy committee on Thursday, July 10, who flagged the potential problem with the trial.