Image supplied by Darley Ward councillor - with the heart giving privacy to the car owner — The above image was supplied by Darley Ward councillor - with the heart obscuring the car reg for privacy reasons

I have received information from a local resident and Cllr Carmel Swan about the electric charging points at the bottom of Wheeldon Ave, Statham Street and White Street.

The bays on Wheeldon Ave are to be repainted as they were not correct the first time round. I believe the road closure notice for 17th/18th February is for the contractors to redo the work. There is some “history” of the trial at the end of this post.

Update: There have been some changes since planning permission was granted ie the rapid chargers on Statham Street and White Street have two charging cables rather than the one the council expected. This is due to BP Pulse no longer installing single cable chargers. Only one bay is marked out as being for an e-vehicle charging so the other side of the charger remains unrestricted parking.

The e-vehicle car club will have 4 bays. Two on Wheeldon Ave and two on Kedleston Rd near Arthur HInd Close. These should be operational by the end of February 2024. The council is going to leaflet the area and install signage at the four charging locations.

Mikk Campbell is the council officer to contact with any queries about the trial, with his email being mikk.Campbell@derby.gov.uk

This is from local councillor Carmel Swan who is Cabinet member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability:

“1. Environmental Benefits and Climate Change Mitigation

First and foremost, the shift towards electric vehicles is a critical component in our collective efforts to combat climate change. Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions globally, and by facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, we are directly contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint. The installation of rapid charging points is not just about current convenience but is a step towards a sustainable future.

2. Future-Proofing Our Community

As we look towards the future, it's clear that the automotive industry is moving rapidly towards electrification. Major car manufacturers are committing to electric vehicle production lines, with some pledging to sell only electric vehicles by 2030 or 2040. By installing charging infrastructure now, we are future-proofing our community, ensuring that we are not left behind as the transition accelerates. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our residents are not disadvantaged by a lack of infrastructure, making the adoption of electric vehicles seamless when they choose to make the switch.

3. Economic and Social Benefits

While the immediate use of these chargers may seem limited to a specific group, such as Uber drivers, it's important to recognize the broader economic and social benefits. Uber drivers, many of whom are local residents, benefit from the convenience and speed of rapid charging, which in turn can lead to reduced fares and improved service for all residents who use these services. However it is not only Uber drivers t. See photo attached. This person is a carer for her mum , who does a hour journey to support her mum. She was elated explaining that she can leave her car on charge and carryout her caring duties at the same time.

4. Responding to Concerns About Placement and Aesthetics

We acknowledge the concerns raised about the placement and aesthetic impact of the forecourt-style chargers. We are committed to engaging with the community to find solutions that minimize visual impact while ensuring accessibility and convenience. As this is a trial we are already trying to influence the design of chargers, but this I the industry standard at the moment.

5. Open Dialogue and Continued Engagement

We welcome the conversations that we are having with the community good or bad, as this allows for a full review of this trial. “

Recap : This is Derby City Council trying to look to the future and make it easier for people without driveways ie able to charge at home to access charging points near their home/work. Derby City Council is one of 5 councils across the country trialling this approach. There was an information event about the trial a few years back to allow residents’ views to be taken into account.

The decision was taken by the then council to go ahead, the change in political control of the council since has not affected the trial. There was the planning permission period for further input before permission was granted. The double yellow lines were reduced in length in the planning change. The trial is to last 2 years.

Anyone using the charger is subject to the terms and conditions they have agreed with BP Pulse. - this can include a penalty for overstaying at a rapid charger. Any Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle parking in a bay is liable to a fixed penalty notice if the council notices it parking.

Mobility Hub Trial