Council ready to install EV chargers after plan agreed. Focus on council land, public input considered.
Andy Konieczko presented the plan, focusing on council land for chargers. They want Hampshire council to help, and other charger operators need to participate too.
They consulted the public and committees. Konieczko said feedback improved the plan and that people wanted a more ambitious charger target. The council agreed and is updating it; the new goal focuses on chargers per person.
Konieczko said Hampshire council moved slowly, but they are near installing street chargers now. He stated that Hampshire council should lead on these and that progress should happen soon.
Andy McCormick spoke as a visitor and welcomed the EV charger strategy. However, McCormick thinks it does not go far enough.
He said the council declared a climate emergency six years ago. EV ownership is rising, and people want to reduce carbon emissions. He believes councils made this difficult.
The plan mentions 24 chargers for Culver Road, a road with 180 houses. He believes that will soon be inadequate, considering one in five new vehicles are EVs already.
Many estates lack home charging options. Brighton Hill and others have communal parking where residents lack driveways or electric garages. Council garages are often too small.
McCormick questioned Hampshire council’s commitment, suggesting they seem to prioritize other towns. He asked them to prioritize Brighton Hill.
He wants more chargers near community halls and shopping areas. Brighton Hill needs one urgently, he said, as current chargers are a mile away for many. Disabled residents worry about charging EVs there.