On-street electric car charging is coming to Portsmouth – despite protests of residents
At a tumultuous traffic and transportation meeting on Thursday homeowners turned out in force to try to block plans for the 40 charging points across the city.
As a result of objections made the council’s head of transport, Councillor Lynne Stagg, agreed to remove two streets from the approved list – Shadwell Road in North End and Clarence Parade in Southsea.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut 35 points, that will be provided through either existing street lamps or additional bollards, and 33 allocated parking bays will still be implemented.
One argument made by homeowners was that they did not receive letters about the consultation.
Bernard Timoney, of Clarence Parade, said: ‘I understand the pressure of getting it done before the funding deadline. But it seems to have been a consultation sham.
He added: ‘No one close to 12 Clarence Parade has an electric vehicle.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSt Jude representative, Cllr Hugh Mason, sent in a deputation on behalf of his ward residents. ‘The charging places must not be allowed to become long term or overnight parking places for electric cars,’ he said.
‘It should therefore become a parking offence to park a car at a point except when actually charging.’
Cllr Mason also had concerns about proposals for a point on Clarence Parade. He added: ‘I have been approached by two partially sighted people arguing that the smart cables could become a serious trip hazard.
‘Unless there is a good reason for keeping the point on the built up side of the road it would surely make sense for the post to be sited on the Common side of the road.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOne resident spoke in favour of the plans. Driving instructor Colin Martin, of Victoria Road South, said: ‘These charging points will be essential for the future of the city. I have been hoping to change my car to an electric one.’
Tor,y Cllr Simon Bosher suggested amending the plans. He said: ‘From what I have picked up on we have got three roads that are controversial – Shadwell Road, Oriel Road and Clarence Parade.
‘Is it at all possible to take them out of the traffic regulation order and proceed with all the rest? Then look at those three roads again as part of phase two.’
But Cllr Stagg resolved that only Shadwell Road and Clarence Parade needed reconsidering. ‘The reason I am saying we look at Shadwell Road again is because they didn’t get any letters. And on Clarence Parade it sounds like it would be sensible to put the points on the other side.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMost of the cost of implementing the points, that will provisionally be in place for three years, will be covered by a £100,000 grant from government that has been secured.
Roads that will have electric vehicle charging points:
Adair Road
Adames Road
Astley Street
Balfour Road
Eastfield Road
Essex Road
Florence Road
Fordingbridge Road
Hartley Road
Havant Road
Heathcote Road
Oriel Road
Oxford Road
Posbrooke Road
Pretoria Road
Priory Crescent
Racton Avenue
St Catherine Street
St Ronan’s Road
Selsey Avenue
South Parade
Taswell Road
Henderson Road
High Street, Old Portsmouth
Hunter Road
Kensington Road
Laburnum Grove
Victoria Road North
Warren Avenue
Westbourne Road
Wimbledon Park Road