Local authorities work to increase EV charging opportunities

Ramsey and Douglas announce plans

Local authorities across the Island are continuing to increase the number of charging opportunities for electric vehicle owners.

In this month's Douglas Council meeting member for environmental services councillor Falk Horning shared plans to re-designate six disabled parking spaces in Shaw's Brow carpark as dual use.

The decision would mean both blue badge holders and electric vehicle owners could make use of the spaces; a seemingly controversial proposal.

But all may not be quite as it seems as Councillor Horning explains:

Discussions along a similar line took place in Ramsey last week when plans to increase the number of EV parking spaces on Market Square from two to four were proposed.

As in Douglas installation and maintenance expenses will be covered by Manx Utilities at no cost to the ratepayer.

Local Democracy Reporter Sarah Hendy spoke to commissioners Luke Parker and Lamara Craine.

They say with the number of electric vehicles more than doubling in one year it's essential the commission makes provision and fast:

In both Douglas and in Ramsey proposals to increase provision for electric vehicle charging were supported; as for whether they're used, only time will tell.