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Aug 2023

Last Updated: 29/08/2023

Environment

Knaresborough survey calls for phased introduction of electric vehicle chargers

by John Plummer

| 29 Aug, 2023

Knaresborough people support electric vehicle chargers but feel they should have been introduced in a more phased manner, a survey has revealed.

The survey showed concern about North Yorkshire Council's decision to install slow charging bays in town centre car parks that already struggled to cope with traffic on weekends and market days.

Business group Knaresborough & District Chamber conducted the survey amid particular concerns about the nine electric vehicle bays and one electric vehicle car-share space in the town centre Chapel Street Car Park.

The sight of petrol and diesel cars struggling to park there while most of the electric vehicle bays are empty has enraged some traders, who say they are losing business as customers give up and go elsewhere.

The survey, which was completed by 81 people including 30 local business owners, revealed about seven out of 10 supported the call for the council to renegotiate the contract, perhaps by phasing-in or sharing the spaces between electric vehicles and other vehicles.

It is believed the council is unwilling to enter talks with the private company that provided the charging infrastructure as it could jeopardise the contract across the county.

A chamber press release said:

"Respondents to the survey believe that Chapel Street was the wrong place to install chargers, particularly as they are of the slow charge type, and that York Place Car Park, which we believe was originally preferred by the council, should have been used.

It added "local opinion is not against the need for electric vehicle charging, in fact many recognise the need, welcome it and want Knaresborough to be seen as a leading venue for sustainable transport, including visiting by train".

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Twice as many businesses said they had had customers complain to them about the lack of parking places when EV spaces were free compared to those who had not heard such comments.

The survey also highlighted concerns about poor engagement, lack of information and lack of adequate signposting to car parks across the town .

One survey respondent said:

“These spaces cropped up overnight and whilst used by electric cars they are not always on charge. There is limited parking in town and this initiative has seen congestion within Chapel Street as people strive to park with electric vehicle spaces either empty or misused.”

A 600-signature petition, instigated by local traders Kelly Teggin and Steve Teggin, calling for some parking spaces to be reallocated is due to be discussed by the council's area constituency committee on September 14.

Chamber executive member Peter Lacey said:

“We’re pleased to have been able to highlight broader issues that the installation of the EV charging points has raised and are keen to engage constructively with other partners in the town and with North Yorkshire Council to improve the ways in which people can access our fantastic retail and recreational offer both in the town centre and at Conyngham Hall public car park where 14 spaces continue to be blocked due to grid connection issues.

"Access to the town by car will always be critical, particularly for more vulnerable groups, and we certainly want to encourage the adoption of EVs, but this needs to be part of a strategy that improves footfall and reduces congestion, something that has currently taken a step backwards in our town.”

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Knaresborough survey calls for phased introduction of electric vehicle chargers

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