Written question WQ88062

Through Transport for Wales (TfW), we are building knowledge and plans that will encourage and support local authorities to trial on-street charging solutions and expediate the roll-out of on-street charging across Wales. We are considering a proposal from TfW to design and deliver a ‘nationally significant’ pilot project to trial potential solutions which are coming to market, in order to improve options for those who don’t have access to home charging.

Street authorities (street works departments of each local authority) have certain powers to grant licences to individual companies to lay cables, but these are subject to conditions. Individuals and EV charging companies have no current rights to lay cables in the highway.

Where on-street parking solutions have not yet been identified, we are supporting local authorities to deploy publicly accessible fast and rapid charging facilities in nearby locations, such as council owned car parks, providing users with alternatives.

We are about to publish a National Standards for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Wales document that details a set of best practice recommendations for safe, accessible, and reliable public electric vehicle charging in Wales. The Standards have been developed for use by public sector organisations, community enterprises and delivery partners involved in the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wales. The recommendations have a particular focus on the sensitive issues regarding on-street charging, and promote accessibility for all users. The National Standards strive to ensure that, going forward, all users of electric vehicles in Wales are confident in their ability to access charging infrastructure wherever and whenever required.