Issue - meetings

Mrs Tay Arnold, Planning Projects and Delivery Manager, outlined that the Maidstone Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) and Low Emissions Strategy both aimed to improve air quality.  Further to this, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) actively promoted the incorporation of electric vehicle charging units on new housing developments, while Kent County Council were drafting an Electric Vehicle Strategy.  Mrs Arnold stated that Maidstone Borough Council Parking Services had engaged with electric vehicle users to ensure that activity was aligned to customer expectations.  Efficient sites had been identified based on location and cost, however, significant work to update infrastructure was required.  Following the completion of market testing and agreement of the operational model, the procurement and leasing of eight electric vehicle charging units would commence.  These would be located in MBC owned car parks.  The Board were to be updated on this work at a later date to ensure that Members were aware of the progress made.

The Board commented that MBC had demonstrated significant progress with regards to the usage of electric vehicles.  It was important, however, to recognise that the technology was evolving at a rapid rate and plans would need to reflect this. 

RESOLVED: That the progress to date regarding Electric Vehicles be noted.