Drivers can have fees waived when installing electric car chargers in a 'far superior' new scheme
The new charging facilities can prevent any hazardous incidents for pedestrians
KERBO CHARGE
Electric car drivers could be handed a major lifeline as one UK council is offering motorists the chance to have a home EV charger installed for a much lower cost.
More than one million motorists around the country now have electric cars, with millions more set to invest in the vehicles in the coming years as they become cheaper.
One of the main concerns from prospective drivers is charging and range anxiety with many unable to charge at home, forcing them to rely on the public charging network.
The latest data from Zapmap shows that there are 66,779 charging devices across the UK with more than 2,000 installed last month alone.
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Bolton Council said it would waive the fees for permits
KERBO CHARGE
With many wanting to charge their electric vehicles at home, one major council is helping drivers cut their costs when looking to switch.
Bolton Council has announced that it will be waiving the fee associated with installing an off-street charger alongside a popular contractor.
It would normally cost a homeowner £565 to get a street works permit to install a home charger, which the council will now waive for a temporary trial basis.
The council is partnering with Kerbo Charge to offer sustainable solutions to motorists, allowing them to run a cable to their car without obstructing pedestrians on the pavement.
Councillor Hamid Khurram, executive cabinet member for highways at Bolton Council, praised the move from the council saying that it would have a massive positive impact on motorists,
Khuram, who represents the Harper Green ward for Labour, added: “There are lots of houses in Bolton without off-street parking which has previously limited opportunity for cost-effective car charging.
“This solution means there are no dangerous cables across the pavement, and it is far superior to using other types of removable cable ramps.
“I’m sure the cost saving on the installation fee will be of great benefit to many residents”.
The council highlighted that residents are responsible for any damage to the footpath during the installation, highlighting the need to "use reputable contractors only".
It also reiterated the need to remove the cable from the trough when the vehicle is not charging, as laid out in Rule 239 of the Highway Code.
Residents have also been reminded that there is no legal right to park directly outside their own property, meaning there may be times when they cannot park close enough to use the cable.
The recommended maximum distance from a point outside outside the property is 10 metres or two car lengths.
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BBCKerbo Charge already has influence within the charging sector, having been backed with a £50,000 investment from Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden.
She described the unique charging method as "a very cost-effective way of dealing with this driving issue", adding that they have the "perfect storm".