Transport Planning Sub-Committee

Provision of facilities on the public highway for recharging an electrically propelled vehicle

Context

1.1 On 28 June 1995 the Town Planning Applications Sub Committee considered an application by the resident of 4 Lansdowne Gardens SW8 relating to the formation of gates in the railings along the property's frontage.

1.2 The applicant addressed the Sub-Committee and explained the purpose of the gates was to enable the recharging of an electrically propelled vehicle, which he considered to be less harmful to the environment than conventionally powered cars.

1.3 Whilst the application was refused as it did not comply with the Council's standards, Members acknowledged the Council's support of environmentally friendly forms of transport, and asked officers "... to meet with the applicant to see if some kind of special parking provision could be made available in this case and to provide advice on electricity supply ...".

1.4 Research into this field has failed to identify any previous cases of a recharging facility being installed on the public highway, which could have provided guidance on the practical and legislative issues relating to this matter.

1.5 Since that time several organisations have become involved in designed equipment and resolving difficulties associated with this proposal (details of which are given later in this report) which, it is believed, will enable the required facilities to be provided.

1.6 The resident's objective has received support from several sources including the local Member of Parliament, Ward Councillors, London Electricity, Capital Campaign for Clean Cars, the Electric Vehicle Association, the Battery Vehicle Society, and the national society for clean air and environmental protection.

1.7 The proposals contained in this report accord with paragraphs 1.1, 1.7, and 3.7 of the Council's STRATEGIC PRINCIPALS FOR TRANSPORT IN LAMBETH document, and policies G6 (The Environment) and G37 (Transport) and transport objective 7 of the LAMBETH UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

Justification

2.1 As there is no off-street parking associated with 4 Lansdowne Gardens, recharging a vehicle at this location requires it to be connected to an electrical supply when parked on the public highway.

2.2 Whilst the resident originally intended that he would own the electrical equipment involved, discussions with London Electricity resulted in them agreeing to undertake its development, installation and maintenance, under their powers as a Statutory Undertaker.

2.3 London Electricity appointed a specialist consultant (E.A. Technology) to devise a recharging system that met the following criteria:-

2.4 E.A. Technology, in consultation with the resident of 4 Lansdowne Gardens, have developed a system that meets the above criteria, and which London Electricity, following consultation with their Group Safety Office and Legal Department, propose installing under their statutory powers.

2.5 It has been established that despite Lansdowne Gardens being in a conservation area, as London Electricity are installing the pillar under their Statutory Undertaker's powers, planning permission is not required, however they are consulting with the appropriate planning officers to agree an aesthetically acceptable design.

2.6 Whilst the design of the pillar, in visual terms, has not yet been finalised, the E.A. Technology drawing (ref ED. 96.004.A4) showing the details of its operation is attached to this report for information.

2.7 Following installation commissioning and testing London Electricity intend entering into a contract with the resident, which would establish responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the equipment.

2.8 As this facility would be on the public highway, should the Committee agree to the proposal, it will be necessary for the Council, as highway authority, to issue a licence for the placing of the apparatus (under section 181 of the Highways Act 1980) and thereby retain a degree of control over the situation.

2.9 There are at present no parking restrictions on this section of Lansdowne Gardens, and problems could arise if other vehicles park at this location and obstruct access to the charging point.

2.10 The problem outlined in 2.7 [2.9, ed.] above could be tackled by establishing a permit holders only parking bay, for which permits would only be issued to owners of electrically propelled vehicles. This would be relatively expensive and could be quite protracted, it would be legally enforceable and offenders cars could be removed.

2.11 Another way of tackling the problem is to mark a standard parking bay with white broken lines, as diagram 1032 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994. This would have no legal significance, but would serve to alert drivers to the unusual situation at this location, and could be done relatively quickly and at minimal cost.

2.12 This problem and the above options have been discussed with the resident who has indicated that he considers the course of action outlined in 2.11 would be sufficient. The proposed location of the bay is shown on the Capital Campaign for Clean Cars drawing number A4 - 000101 which accompanies this report.

Legal Powers and Advice

3.1 The Council, as Highway Authority, are empowered to carry out the proposals in this report by The Highways Act 1980 and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994.

Financial Implications

4.1 The costs associated with the supply and installation of the supply pillar will be funded by London Electricity plc.

4.2 The resident has been advised, and agreed in principal, that the Council would require him to meet the costs of the parking bay markings and granting the licence for apparatus in the highway, which are estimated to be thirty pounds in each case.

4.3 The resident will be responsible for the energy charges.

Staffing and Accommodation Implications

5.1 The installation of the supply pillar will be undertaken by London Electricity's contractor.

5.2 The licence will be issued and road markings laid by the Council's Civil Engineering Consultant, and their contractors.

Environmental Implications

6.1 The proposal will facilitate the use of electrically propelled vehicles which are virtually pollution free at their point of use.

6.2 Should the proposal proceed and be found to work in practice (or other difficulties to which solutions could be sought are identified) this will promote the use of electrically propelled vehicles, which would improve the environment in urban areas.

6.3 There are no cycling implications in this proposal.

Audit Trail

List of Background Documents

comm/tp.c/1218.lsp6