Relaxing planning rules for electric vehicle charging points could ‘spell disaster’ for pedestrians in Scotland, according to Living Streets.
The Scottish Government is currently considering introducing new regulations to make it easier to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure on – or adjacent to – pavements.
This would be achieved through changes to permitted development rights (PDR), effectively removing the need to obtain planning permission.
Responding to a public consultation, Living Streets has expressed fear that footways will become ‘cluttered’ with charging points and trailing cables, which present serious problems for people with wheelchairs, buggies or guide dogs.
It describes planning permission as an ‘important safeguard’ and says charging points should be located off-street, for example in car parks at leisure centres, community facilities, shopping centres, train stations, or housing estates.
Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “The impact the proposed changes will have on disabled people is greatly underplayed in the consultation.
“Further engagement is needed, which must be accessible, including the use of non-technical language appropriate to the public.
“Cluttered pavements also impact on everyone’s desire to walk their short journeys instead of driving them. If we want to encourage cleaner, sustainable ways to travel then we need streets that are walkable.”
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