Clackmannanshire Council Online

Electric Vehicle General Information

Electric Vehicle General Information

Future infrastructure

The Council aims to have at least one public charging point in every community.  It is anticipated by the end of 2023 most of the main settlements will have access to at least one public charging point. 

At present the Council is proposing new infrastructure at the following locations:

• Gartmorn Dam, Sauchie - in progress
• Bowmar Centre, Alloa - in progress
• Craigleith, Fishcross - in progress
• Direlton Gardens, Alloa - in progress

Our current grant funding has now ended and we are now seeking new opportunities to expand the existing EV charging network.  At present no further locations are proposed.

Etiquette

ChargePlace Scotland have developed an etiquette guide on using the charging network. All users of the network should refer to this guide to ensure everyone has the best and fairest experience.  In general rapid charger bay use should be limited to 1 hour.

Charging at Home

For those who have access to off-street parking (driveway or garage), you can install a charging point at home.  Home owners are advised to speak to the Planning Department before installing a home charger, particularly for those properties within a conservation area.  However, under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Part V Roads and Building Control and VII Interference and Damage, it is not permitted to place and obstruction, including but not limited to, a cable or wire over, along or across a public road or footway without the permission of the roads authority. 

For clarity, in no circumstance will Clackmannanshire Council permit the crossing of a footway or road for the purpose of charging a vehicle.  Having the cable trail from your home, across or above the pavement to your car may cause a safety hazard. If a passer-by injures themselves due to your cable, you can be held responsible. Furthermore, a cable across the ground can limit accessibility of the footway and can impact negatively on people with disabilities.

There is no instance in which you can trail your cable across the pavement, including the use of pavement drainage channels or a cable protector.  The council at present will also not approve the use of private charging infrastructure to be installed on a public road (this includes the footway).

For those without access to a driveway or other off-street parking area, you can access the network of public charging points. 

Alternatively if you have a front garden, you may be able to apply to install a driveway and dropped kerb, subject to conditions. 

Advantages of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles have a number of advantages over petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles:

• Very low running costs - 10,000 miles costs approximately £250. This helps to offset the higher purchase costs of electric vehicles.
• Low insurance costs
• No road tax
• Lower carbon dioxide emissions
• No air pollution at point of use

The Energy Saving Trust website provides useful information about different types of EVs, grants available, running costs and recharging facilities.

Plug-in car grants

The Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), which has been set up by the Government, is committed to promoting EVs.

Since January 2011 OLEV has been making Plug-in Car Grants available to purchase low emission cars, vans and taxis.

A list of the qualifying vehicles and further information is available on the Gov.UK website.

Council owned EVs

Clackmannanshire Council currently has a fleet of EVs in its drive to cut carbon emissions, save money and cut fossil fuel use.

The electric vehicles were bought with assistance from the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme.

The Council has installed domestic charging points for the charging of its own fleet at the main offices and depots.