Members considered recommendations in relation to the pool cars leased by the Royal Borough and Electric Vehicle Charging points.

The Lead Member for Adult Services explained that the council currently had a fleet of 13 petrol Minis. The proposal was to move to electric or hybrid vehicles without losing the benefit of keyless access. During the next year BMW had confirmed more vehicles would offer this benefit. The proposal was to equip the fleet with up to 10 vehicles which took into account the new delivery model in the council.  In addition, officers would be encouraged to use the new cars; this would be moved forward with HR.  Officers would work with ward members and residents on identifying locations for charging points.

The Lead Member referred Cabinet to the comments from the Overview an Scrutiny Panels. In relation to the request for a further cost/benefit analysis, he explained this would not be necessary as a third party would be running the scheme on behalf of the council. He explained that whilst it may not have been widely publicised, the council’s pool car scheme had been open to Members for some time.

The Principal Member for HR, Legal and IT commented that as Chairman of the Employment Panel, she was supportive of the proposals to ensure staff used the pool cars. It was confirmed that the car club would ultimately be based in the Broadway car park following the redevelopment. It was noted that residents were able to pay for charging electric vehicles via a key-in code which was then charged centrally. The Chairman referred to a useful app called Podpoint. A fast charger could charge a vehicle in 30-40 minutes whereas a slow charger could take some hours. This was one of the issues for discussion with Members and residents. The new leisure centre would include 6 charging points, with the capacity for 200 more.

The Lead Member for Maidenhead Regeneration and Maidenhead commented that the report went to three Overview and Scrutiny Panels; there was a need to modernise the system. The Chairman commented that this would be addressed as part of the Boundary Review for May 2019.

The Deputy Lead Member for Ascot Regeneration commented that the announcement that Dyson was to enter the electric car market demonstrated the direction of travel in the market It was noted that an electric charging point could cost up to £850 to install in a home, although government grants were available. It was suggested that the inclusion of charging points in all new homes built as part of the Joint Venture could be required.

RECOMMENDATION: That Cabinetnotes the report and:

i)  Delegates authority to the Executive Director in conjunction with the Lead Member for Adult Services, Health and Sustainability, and the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Highways and Transport to:

          a. procure a new electric / hybrid pool car fleet of up to 10 cars

          b. recommend to Employment Panel that new travel policies seeking to increase pool car use are adopted and embedded

          c. identify a partner and develop a ‘pilot’ car club scheme

          d. develop an on-street electric vehicle charging programme; consult with Ward Members; seek grant funding; procure a supplier and install