Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Outside London 2023-06-08
2023-06-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The north-east of England is facing a shortage of EV charging points, with older and slower charging stations often being non-functional or at capacity.
What assessment has the Minister made of the adequacy of electric vehicle infrastructure rollout outside London? Specifically regarding Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend's situation with older, slower charging points that often do not work. The number of public charge points is falling behind other regions.
The LEVI fund aims for equitable spread of public charge points around the country. The north-east is not badly served overall, but improvements can be made. Open to meeting local organisations committed to advancing EV infrastructure.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit specific action or timeline with Transport North East and councils
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Times reports a doubling of the gap between electric vehicles on roads and public charge points in recent years. Many commercial operators cannot access these points.
According to The Times, the gulf between EVs on roads and public charge points has doubled in the past year. Many operators with commercial vehicles cannot access those points due to planning issues and lack of investment encouragement from the Government. Could the Minister update us?
Acknowledges disconnect but highlights potential private investment triggered by zero-emission vehicle mandate, a world-leading intervention.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete steps to address the specific issues raised
We Are Supporting Rapid Chargers And Providing Grants
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
North-east of England is falling behind in EV charging points compared to other regions. Older, slower charge points often don't work properly.
EV charging in the north-east is lagging behind other parts of the country. Most stock are older and slow charging points that frequently malfunction. Will the Minister commit to working with local authorities to ensure owning and charging an electric vehicle remains a viable option in this region?
Welcomes meeting any organisation committed to equitable spread of public charge points but does not provide specific commitments or timelines for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No commitment on working with local councils
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Local authorities could look at their byelaws to facilitate EV charging gullies for those without off-street parking.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that local authorities should review byelaws to enable EV charging infrastructure installation, especially for residents lacking off-street parking?
Yes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Scotland has a higher number of EV chargers per capita compared to England outside London, particularly Orkney and Aberdeen. The SNP argues for more government intervention.
The Scottish rail incident highlights the need for government-led transport decarbonisation efforts. Scotland leads in renewables and electric vehicle infrastructure roll-out, with twice as many rapid chargers per head. Is it not time to admit that deregulation has failed?
Does not accept the argument but mentions state interventions will be necessary to trigger private investment, aiming for equitable spread across the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions to close the gap between Scotland and England on chargers
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Scotland outperforms England in terms of EV infrastructure, publicly owned rail service without peak-time fares, more zero-emission buses and higher active travel spending.
The gap between Scotland and England on chargers is widening. Is it not time to admit that the Thatcherite deregulation model has failed completely?
Does not accept that at all, arguing state interventions will trigger private investment growth and ensuring equity across the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific model comparison or commit to change
Does Not Accept Premise
Response accuracy