Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Senior Planning and Strategy Officer.

Lead: Simon McGlone

9.1          Members received the report and presentation from the Senior Planning and Strategy Officer.

 

9.2          The Chair requested further information as to how this will be dealt with in rural areas and raised the issue of broken-down charging points.  He suggested that a smart solution may be required for their repair.

 

The Senior Planning and Strategy Officer stated that TfN’s evidence indicates the potential requirement for charging points in all area types of the North of England, whether that’s rural, urban or coastal areas. This allows TfN to articulate a whole network view of need, which is key for effective public planning and delivery but also encouraging private investment in all areas of the region.

 

9.3          Cllr Cooper suggested that the focus should be on charging points at home and at the office, rather than “en route” charging.  He also asked about standards for maintenance of charging points.

 

The Senior Planning and Strategy Officer explained that that a mixture of charging categories are needed to support an effective and holistic network of charging for the user. TfN’s evidence points to a large need for public residential charging, to meet anticipated user patterns and demands, but also the needs identified for those without driveways.  He further explained that they have looked at the locations of rapid charging.  He stated that a mixture of charging categories can allow for  efficiency gains as the more that vehicles are linked to the electricity grid, the more efficient the system of electricity transmission and use becomes.  This will also have a positive impact on decarbonisation.  With regard to standards of maintenance, he policy does not do enough on this currently; he explained that the National EV Strategy is due to be released soon and expects this to go some way to addressing the issue.

 

9.4          Cllr Salter raised the issue of applications for funding for charging points in rural areas and suggested that such opportunities could be made more visible.  He also enquired as to whether any similar work will be taking place around hydrogen vehicles.

 

On the hydrogen question the Senior Planning and Strategy Officer explained that TfN is undertaking a separate programme of work, in partnership with other organisations across the North, to develop similar evidence for Hydrogen refueling infrastructure. TfN will look to join these elements up where appropriate in future phases of work. In relation to funding opportunities, he explained that there are a number of funding pots, and TfN’s regional EV Steering Group could be a useful mechanism to support planning and delivery of these more.

 

 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.