Introduction
The Somerset Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy was developed by Somerset County Council in partnership with the District Councils and was formally approved in 2020/2021. The Strategy provided an assessment of the charging infrastructure and uptake of electric vehicles in Somerset at that time. And it indicated future demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The Strategy takes into consideration the unique characteristics of Somerset and its population and clearly states the aspirations and vision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This sets out a clear delivery approach through 24 recommendations, covering the following themes:
- Lead by Example
- Home Charging
- Workplace Charging
- Destination Charging
- On-route Charging
Publication of our strategy
Since the publication of our Strategy, the Department for Transport has stipulated that all local transport authorities are required to update their Local Transport Plans by Autumn 2024. This is to reflect their changed approach to transport planning, focusing on carbon reduction, levelling up and an improved travel experience.
Electric vehicle charging proposals have been stated as one of the supporting documents that are required for the existing .
This is along with:
- A Bus Service Improvement Plan
- Carbon Quantification
- Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
The full guidance for the Local Transport Plan development is expected in the Summer of 2024. The Government also published ‘Taking Charge: the electric vehicle infrastructure strategy’ in March 2022. This clearly sets out the government’s ambitions for electric vehicles and the role that local government has in making this happen.
Although progress has been made against the recommendations of the initial strategy, we now recognise that things have moved on and there are a few gaps and variances compared to the Government guidance and the intentions of the Local Transport Plan.
The most prominent of these is the increased priority of home charging provision and clarity against the use of trailing cables across footpaths. With this in mind, we plan to update and renew our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy for expected adoption in Summer 2024 to tie in with the Local Transport Plan schedule.
