The Government has published its response to the Future of Transport Regulatory Review.
The review was launched to ask questions about how transport is regulated, to achieve a flexible, forward-looking framework fit for the future. The consultation closed in November 2021 and focused on four priority areas:
- A statutory obligation to plan for and deliver charging infrastructure
- New powers to require installation of chargepoints in non-residential car parks
- New powers to support the delivery of the Rapid Charging Fund
- Requirements to improve the experience for electric vehicle consumers.
The BVRLA’s response was supportive of the Government seeking powers in all areas, except for the requirement to install chargepoints in non-residential car parks where the association felt a blanket policy could lead to chargepoints that are under-utilised as they are not fit for purpose.
In the consultation outcome, the Government has confirmed that they will not look to take powers for minimum requirements for installation of chargepoints in non-residential car parks at this time. This is largely in recognition of the continued strong roll-out of public chargepoints since the consultation. It will continue to monitor and evaluate the rollout of charging infrastructure in existing non-residential car parks and consider legislative powers if the rate of chargepoint installation is insufficient.
The Government also intends to introduce laws to require local transport authorities to produce local charging strategies, if they have not done so, as part of local transport plans. This will ensure that every part of the country has a plan for EV charging infrastructure.
The Fleet Friendly Charging Pledge was launched by the BVRLA in July. It encourages local authorities to sign and commit to considering fleet operators and drivers in their charging infrastructure plans and strategies and engage with the fleet sector to understand their EV charging requirements.
Government will continue to work with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to review the grid connection process to accelerate chargepoint delivery. This will build on the Government’s commitment to improve the grid connections process, as set out in the Powering Up Britain Plan and the Plan for Drivers.
Regarding the consumer experience, the consultation sought views on taking powers to implement a new consumer protections regime. While the response confirms Government will not be seeking primary powers in this area, the response says: “We fully support the EVET proposal to develop a cross-industry agreed position for consumer complaints handling standards. Government is considering the most appropriate forum to develop this work further”.
Future of Transport Regulatory Review: zero emission vehicles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
