Residents' questions answered about on-street EV chargepoints

Your street has been identified as a suitable location based on a combination of factors, including local demand, limited access to off-street parking in the area, and technical considerations such as proximity to the electricity network and safe pavement space.

How has my street been selected?

In identifying a location, a structured and robust approach has been taken. Initial sites were assessed through detailed data-based analysis, followed by on-site reviews. The positions have been identified as the only viable location in the immediate vicinity where chargepoints could be accommodated on the public highway while maintaining suitable clearances and visibility. 

When identifying suitable locations, we are limited to sites on roads that form part of the Dorset Council highway network. This means some alternative locations that may appear less constrained by parking demand are not always available or suitable for consideration. Some sites are also on private land so not available.

Although properties on your street may have driveways, the assessment for the proposed locations shows where there are a number of nearby homes within a short walking distance that either lack off-street parking or would find home charging difficult.

As the transition to electric vehicles continues, it is important that accessible public charging is introduced in a fair and forward-looking way to meet both current and future needs. 

We recognise that parking can be challenging on many residential streets, and we have sought to minimise any impact on existing parking arrangements.

We are not proposing any parking restrictions for these bays. They will remain available for general parking use as they are now, while also providing charging facilities for residents who start to switch to electric vehicles. 

The public highway is for use by everyone and not restricted to only residents of that road unless restrictions are in place such as residents’ parking regulations.

We understand concerns that the chargepoints may increase parking pressures by attracting vehicles from outside the immediate street. 

Experience from similar schemes suggests that demand builds gradually over time. EV users typically charge intermittently - often once a week for several hours or overnight so usage is not constant. As a result, any additional demand is expected to be limited in the early years, and residents are likely to continue using the space much as they do at present.

There are also several different ways that people charge their EVs depending on their usage and driving patterns.  This will continue to change as newer methods to charge get developed and parking habits also change over time.

Through engaging with Elected Members, town and parish councils and the nearest residents, we are getting helpful local feedback. We will carefully consider local input before finalising the plans. 

One of the most common objections is pressure on parking.  Because the chargepoint parking spaces will not have parking restrictions placed on them, there should be little difference in the way parking is used on the street after they are installed, so this is not a reason to change a location in isolation.

We expect works to begin in the first wards in the early autumn and are contacting residents on the streets affected by works in advance with confirmed dates and details of any temporary disruption.

We aim to keep disruption to a minimum. There may be some temporary impacts, such as short-term parking restrictions or works near the pavement, particularly close to the installation sites.

From 2030, vehicle production will be mainly electric and hybrid in the UK. To make sure Dorset is ready, we’re building the right charging network so drivers can feel confident about switching to EVs.

We are installing a minimum of 1,125 charging units (2,250 sockets) in over 300 locations in Dorset over 5 years.

Currently 5% of cars owned on Dorset are EV. This doesn’t include those who lease, which is very common or those who drive electric work vehicles and take them home as part of their jobs. 

More people are choosing to drive EVs because they can save money, they prefer the driving experience and lower noise or because they are making more sustainable choices. We aim to support the choices our residents make. New and second hand EVs are coming down in price and are similar in price to petrol and diesel cars for some makes.

The 5 year scheme is funded by the Department for Transport Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and Connected Kerb not by Dorset Council residents’ Council Tax.

At this stage, we are not proposing to introduce dedicated EV-only parking bays. The chargepoints are intended for shared use by residents and visitors; they can be used by anyone. Most people don’t charge every day, so they don’t need to use a charging bay all the time.

The charging bays will be clearly marked on the road with the words "Electric Vehicles".

Finding parking can be challenging on many of our streets. The aim is to minimise any impact on existing parking. The chargepoints do not usually require additional parking spaces.

Locations have been selected to maintain safe access for pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs so they will be located on the kerb next to the road. This is to minimise exposed cable and be located consistently to aid accessibility.  Sometimes they will be placed on a small ‘build-out’ where the pavement isn’t wide enough.

Chargepoints are similar in size to a slim parking meter,and are designed to fit into the street environment with minimal visual impact. You can see pictures of them on the EV webpages.

The chargepoints will be available for public use by local residents and their visitors.

Charging prices are set by Connected Kerb, the chargepoint operator, and will be roughly in line with the national average for public charging with lower rates for off-peak charging. Details are available on Connected Kerb’s website.

EV chargepoint installations do not normally require a formal public consultation. Legislative changes have enabled chargepoint operators to carry out the necessary highway works through the street works permit regime, with works coordinated by the highway authority in the same way as other utility and infrastructure works.

However, Dorset Council has chosen to engage directly with councillors and the residents living closest to the proposed locations to understand any local issues or considerations that may not have been identified through our site assessments and viability checks. This is happening in stages as the scheme progresses.