Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Outside London

Thursday 8 June 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mary Glindon inquired about the adequacy of electric vehicle infrastructure rollout outside London, particularly in Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, highlighting issues with older, slower charging points.
  • Matt Western questioned the Minister about the growing gap between electric vehicles on the roads and public charge points, citing planning issues and lack of investment encouragement from the Government.
  • Stephen Hammond asked if local authorities should review byelaws to enable easier installation of EV charging infrastructure, especially for residents lacking off-street parking, to which the Minister agreed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Transport
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specific action or timeline with Transport North East and councils

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Q2 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Climate Energy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Acknowledges disconnect but highlights potential private investment triggered by zero-emission vehicle mandate, a world-leading intervention.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete steps to address the specific issues raised

How: We Are Supporting Rapid Chargers And Providing Grants

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Q3 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Transport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment on working with local councils

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Q4 Stephen Hammond Con
Transport
Context

Local authorities could look at their byelaws to facilitate EV charging gullies for those without off-street parking.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Yes.

Answered
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Q5 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Climate Scotland
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Does not accept the argument but mentions state interventions will be necessary to trigger private investment, aiming for equitable spread across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions to close the gap between Scotland and England on chargers

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Q6 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Scotland
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.

Question

The gap between Scotland and England on chargers is widening. Is it not time to admit that the Thatcherite deregulation model has failed completely?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Does not accept that at all, arguing state interventions will trigger private investment growth and ensuring equity across the country.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific model comparison or commit to change

How: Does Not Accept Premise

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