Worries new electric car charging rules in Moray could cause neighbour disputes

Electric vehicle owners who park on public streets will have new rules to follow after Moray Council agreed to a new policy – despite fears over parking disputes between neighbours. Today councillors in the economic development and infrastructure services committee agreed to implement the recommended policy, which will see the council support the use of cable 'gullies' for electric car chargers. The infrastructure allows the cable to run underground, avoiding trip hazards. The cost and maintenance of the infrastructure will be the responsibility of the homeowner or service provider and there are Scottish Government grants in place to help fund the installation. However, there were concerns that the new policy could be a potential cause for disagreements between neighbours over parking. SNP Elgin City North councillor Jérémie Fernandes was pleased the policy would 'hit reality and the real world'. But he was concerned that once people have put in their chargers 'it is probably going to make people feel that they are entitled to a space' even though it will be on a public road. He asked head of environmental and commercial services Nicola Moss if the policy could be stopped after a year if it caused too many parking disputes. Ms Moss said 'we are at a turning point in technology' as she explained how it is important that the council get ahead of the game in regards to electric car charging. She added: 'Our recommendation to you as a council is now is the right time.' Ms Moss explained that 'there is no perfect policy' but to reassure Cllr Fernandes she explained 'in absolute terms, policies can be amended'. But she said: 'We strongly believe that this will meet the needs of the majority – this is a well thought through and positive step.' Those who wish to install a charging cable crossing public pavements will have to apply for a Section 109 Agreement under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, which allows a person or organisation to place, maintain, or remove apparatus in a public road, as well as meeting certain criteria as set out by Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS). The Scottish Government has announced it will provide funding to households through the Energy Savings Trust Cross-pavement charging grant to install the infrastructure, but approval must be sought from the council in order to qualify. A section 109 agreement will come with a cost of £923 which includes the fee usually associated with a roads opening permit for minor works, currently £195, but it can be claimed as part of the Scottish Government funding. Buckie SNP councillor Sonya Warren questioned how far the grant would stretch, especially for low-income households and those who rely on their pension. Transportation official Diane Anderson, who authored the policy report, confirmed to Mrs Warren that grant funding was provided before the payment for section 109 agreement was required. Marc Macrae, chairman of Moray Council's economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: 'This proposal will help more residents access the benefits of home charging, even if they do not have a driveway. 'It provides a safe solution that protects pedestrians while supporting the transition to electric vehicles. 'The application charge will allow the council to recover the costs of assessing applications and inspecting installations, ensuring the process is sustainable and fair.' The committee agreed that the policy will be reviewed after one year to assess how it is working and whether any changes are needed.