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East Devon plans electric charging in car parks

And using them for screenings, car boots and farmers' markets

East Devon may get electric vehicle charging points in seven car parks in the district, as well as using them for outdoor cinemas, farmers' market and car boot sales.

The district council's ruling cabinet is going to consider the ideas put forward by the authority’s ‘Car Parking Task and Finish Forum’ (TAFF).

It's not sure how a recent change in control of the council will affect the plans, or any of the other matters going through at the moment. 

Until recently, the council was led by a coalition, but the loss of one seat has tipped the balance of power. Another independent isn't going to stand in the forthcoming May elections. It's making decision-making at the Honiton-based council trickier than usual.

But they're still trying to crack on with business. The council says that in forming their ideas for making more money out of car parks, they're "mindful" of the impact on existing businesses.

Additionally, they say, "the TAFF are keen to look at whether a small area of some car parks could be considered for hiring out electric bicycles so residents and visitors could explore the local area on two wheels rather than four.

The group has also recommended a number of trial contactless machines be installed to minimise the need for residents to touch buttons while paying for parking."

The council's statement continues: "The TAFF hope the charging points will serve both residents and visitors alike, whilst reducing carbon emissions as the public move to using more electric and hybrid vehicles – supporting the EDDC emergency climate declaration and action plan.

The installation of the charging points comes as part of the Innovate UK-funded Exeter Rapid Charging Project to install and operate up to 30 further rapid charging units in EDDC’s public car parks in 2021.

The TAFF has also supported further plans for another six or seven car parks to be considered for future expansion of charging points to meet any gaps in provision."

Drivers will need to pay to use the charging points but will not have to pay for parking as long as they don't exceed their charging time.

That's different from the way it works in Exeter, in which electricity is free, but drivers pay for parking. As a charge at 7W of power costs about a pound, council's tend to make more money from parking than supplying electricity.

Councillor Val Ranger, who is the vice-chair of the Car Parking TAFF and ward councillor for Newton Poppleford and Harpford, said:“TAFF have been working to ensure that public car parks owned by EDDC are effectively managed and providing a valuable service whilst paying for themselves.

“Mindful of the sanitary situation and how best to protect car park users and council staff, East Devon council is keen to offer contactless solutions for paying parking charges to anybody who wishes not to touch the machines."

TAFF will also be reconsidering the signage at car parks, and fitting more prominent and clearly worded signs to advise residents of the lower cost options available to them such as annual permits.

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