Below is a regularly updated list of Frequently Asked Question relating to electric vehicle charging in Sefton.
The Energy Saving Trust provide the best impartial advice around electric vehicles. You can read more about electric vehicles on their website here: All you need to know about electric vehicles - Energy Saving Trust
The Council do not install private household EV Charge Points. We can point you in the direction of the best advice. The Energy Savings Trust has the best up to date impartial advice on installing an EV Charge Points at your home. You can read more about installing EV Charge Points on their website here: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/charging-electric-vehicles/
Sefton Council are developing their EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy which will highlight the Councils plan to deliver EV charging points across the Borough.
This will consider different Infrastructure in different locations and will focus on providing public facilities, especially in areas where residents do not have off road parking. using different EV Charging infrastructure.
Sefton Council currently have no plans to implement lamppost EV infrastructure but are actively engaging with other local authorities which are trialling lamppost charging noting lessons learnt.
Please refer to the Highway Code which provides the following advice:
“When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.”
No, at present EV charging cables trailing across or under the public highway are prohibited. Charging your vehicle on the street by trailing a cable across the pavement, including the use of a cable protector, channel, gully or ramp is not permitted.
We don't permit any cable to be placed across the public highway (including pavement). This is because it represents a health and safety hazard, and an obstacle to the safe use of the highway by the visually and/or mobility impaired, or other affected user groups.
Under the Highways Act 1980 action may be taken to remove cables that are deemed unsuitable or unsafe. This method of on-street EV charging is therefore not considered a suitable approach for residents without off-street parking provision to charge their EV.
No, it is an offence cause obstruction to other road users, including pedestrians. Vehicles causing obstruction may be issued with a fixed penalty notice and, in some cases, removed at the owner's expense.
Drivers are asked to have regard to pedestrians, particularly pram and wheelchair users and those who are disabled and partially sighted when parking their vehicle.