Parking guidance for new developments

The guidance aims to ensure that consideration is given to making provision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new developments. This will contribute towards the government’s commitment to drive forward the market for ultra-low emission vehicles, whist also addressing the carbon consequences of motoring. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is a long term goal of government. However, there are things we can do now and it’s important that developments make the most of these opportunities.

The guidance proposal is not prescriptive, but aims to make sure developments do what they realistically can to provide for this emerging technology.

Where new developments require a Transport Assessment, they should demonstrate that they are making appropriate provision for electric vehicle charging points, having considered the demand that the development would generate, the number and type of existing and proposed provision of publicly accessible charging points in the surrounding area, and the impact of providing electric vehicle charging points on development viability.

A requirement that all developments consider the needs and opportunities for incorporating vehicle charging points at a variety of sites, will support the government’s commitment to drive the infrastructure for it.

• whilst the guidance does not set out specific requirements it is important to consider that technology is continuously changing, and the use of electric charging points needs to be able to respond flexibly to the market. Where possible, infrastructure should not be specific to individual systems. In some residential developments, for instance, an appropriate electricity supply to a garage may be sufficient
• as a commercial market for public charging infrastructure develops, it will be important to ensure that public charging points are located so they are accessible and convenient, and do not compromise highway safety