Highland Council’s electric vehicle charging point controversy

A council van blocks public charging point for a month, raising concerns.

Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, a Highland Council van was left blocking a public charging point for electric vehicles (EVs) for an entire month at the authority’s own headquarters in Inverness. This incident has sparked outrage among local officials and residents, highlighting the need for better management of public resources.

The Incident

The abandoned vehicle was parked in the council’s car park behind its Glenurquhart Road headquarters. Local parking wardens quickly identified the violation and issued a fine, which remained under the windscreen wiper for an extended period while the van sat motionless.

Councillor Patrick Logue, who observed the situation multiple times, expressed his bemusement at the council’s failure to address the issue promptly.

Public Charging Points and Council Vehicles

Highland Council operates a fleet of 89 vehicles, with only 8% being electric. The council has 52 charging points across the Highlands, yet it appears that public charging stations are often occupied by council vehicles. Mr. Logue emphasized that this incident is an “extreme example” of a recurring problem, where council vehicles overstay their welcome at public charging spots. He argued that the council should set a positive example in the responsible use of public resources, stating, “No one would block a petrol pump for days if they weren’t using it.”

Response from Council Officials

In response to the controversy, council officers described the situation as an “education issue.” They acknowledged that staff needed to be better informed about the proper etiquette regarding the use of public charging points. A recent council report indicated that training targets set for earlier this year had not been met, raising further concerns about the council’s commitment to its net zero agenda.

Future Training Initiatives

Despite the setbacks, council officials assured that all senior management had been trained in the council’s net zero agenda, with plans for training all other staff to commence shortly. The goal is to include electric charging protocols in this training, ensuring that charging points are available for public use whenever possible. This initiative aims to prevent future incidents and promote responsible usage of public resources.

Conclusion

The Highland Council’s recent incident involving a blocked public charging point has raised significant concerns about the management of electric vehicle resources. As the council moves forward with training initiatives, it is crucial for them to prioritize the responsible use of public charging stations and set a positive example for the community.