We recognise the significant benefits that the switch to Electric Vehicles (EV) and other low emission vehicles can bring, particularly in relation to reduction in carbon emissions, air quality and wider public health. It is also acknowledged that the use of electric vehicles by residents and visitors is increasing. With this in mind, the Council is currently developing several pilot projects for EV charging points and other projects to support the wider decarbonisation of the transport network.
Public charging points
Bolton's town centre car parks are operated by NCP. Check out their website for details of EV charging points at their sites (see the 'additional info' section of each car parks page).
We also have a number of charging points at Back Soho Street, close to the bus/rail interchange.
On street charging at home
When charging a vehicle on the street, we do not condone the use of trailing cables across pavements, footways or highway but recognise that in some circumstances this form of charging is the only option. In carrying out charging in this way it is important to consider public safety and existing legislation. Any legal liability arising from the placement of the cable or protector is your responsibility. You may wish to speak to your home insurer to confirm that your home insurance policy covers this situation.
- When parking on the street to charge your vehicle, it should be parked as close to your property as possible.
- Do not obstruct the pavement or anyones drive or access.
- It is your responsibility to avoid putting yourself or others at risk when trailing a cable across a footway or an area people may cross.
- You must still obey any parking restrictions that may be in place (yellow lines).
- Charging boxes and other charging devices are not permitted to overhang or encroach onto the pavement or highway. Only the cable is allowed.
Where a vehicle cannot be parked immediately outside the property, the cable should be run along the carriageway channel against the kerb. The recommended maximum distance from a point outside the property is 10 metres (approximately 2 car lengths). The cable should not cross the carriageway therefore your vehicle should always be parked on the same side of the road as your property.
When charging your vehicle you should always follow all guidance and recommendations in your manufacturer’s handbook. Any extension lead that is required should be suitable for external use. Cables should be laid flat and never be extended from an upper storey to a vehicle, nor should they be hung from any street furniture including lamp columns or trees.
A cable should only be placed over the footway when the vehicle is charging and should always be removed when not in use.
The best solution for getting the cable from your property to your vehicle safely is to use a suitable cable protector. Cable protectors are regularly used in public spaces and areas of high footfall to cover cables or wires on a temporary basis. Any cable protector used should cover the area likely to be walked across, including the full width of any footway and verge between the property and the vehicle. The cable protector should be non-slip, have contrasting colour markings e.g. yellow, have anti-trip sloped sides, and be of a tough construction suitable for outdoors use.
It is your responsibility to ensure everything is safe. If we receive reports of people tripping then we will consider enforcement action.
If you have any queries about your proposed charging setup, contact us for advice.