A DEBATE about whether to install four new EV charging points at a car park close to the city centre took place this week which led to an animated conversation. 

Council members at the Environment & Climate Committee had to ascertain whether to progress with charging points in the car park at Lush House next to Elizabeth Gardens and then determine which of four options to select in terms of installation, maintenance, and costs.  

Environmental services manager, Marc Read, said: “We are looking at creating four spaces, but it would take up six spaces to get those spaces in. Four charging points is the maximum possible due to available infrastructure.”

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As the occupancy rate of the car park varied between 40-70 per cent, losing six bays would not lead to a loss of revenue.

Various options for installation and maintenance were presented. One option eradicated risks with Wiltshire Council paying but also keeping any profits made for a 5-year period. Other options available included costs from £6,000 to £12,000 with varying degrees of 'unknown profit'.

Cllr Sven Hocking raised concerns about whether research had been made into other companies.

He said: “At the moment, we haven’t the faintest idea whether this will make any money or not. So, before we go down the road, we should be looking at other companies who might supply this for nothing. I won’t be supporting this.”

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Cllr Tom Corbin said: “Just to make a very simple point, there is more and more take-up of electric vehicles and there is a distinct lack of charging points. I think we are in a very strong position for having these four bays utilised heavily. I think a lot of people in Salisbury will be very happy to have EV points installed in car parks.”

During the debate, committee members expressed concerns about whether the charging points were needed and whether there was a slow takeup of electric cars in the area. It was suggested that the options should be considered fully before committing.

Cllr Alan Bayliss raised the point that many homes in his ward had their own domestic EV charging points so disagreed with those who doubted the popularity of electric vehicles and the need for charging points. 

In the vote, the location for the charging points was agreed upon but Marc Read would investigate alternative suppliers and potential contracts which would be reserved for a future debate.