Concern over potential abuse of free EV charging at South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon

The matter was raised at the December Environmental Services committee meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council by Councillor Catherine Nelson (SF).

She stated: “I have had a number of complaints, and I have spoken with management on this. So, basically, what we have is a situation in South Lake where there is an individual parking there all day, and then driving off on a bike, and staying there from literally 9am to 5pm.

“Whilst I loved our intention of keeping these free, and I really did buy into that initially, unfortunately that is open to abuse, and therefore the impact that we want to have, which is quick change over, people using the centre getting the ability to use this environmentally-friendly [energy], it’s just not happening.

“So, could I ask that we explore either introducing costs, or indeed that someone has to go into reception, or perhaps we look at a time token? But if we could look at options, I would fully support at this stage a cost being introduced.”

Cllr Nelson continued: “Can I also ask that it’s not caught up in a wider council review of car ports, because this is becoming a real issue for people. Official complaints have been received, and formal complaints are being looked at.”

Councillor Kate Evans (UUP) explained she too had raised this issue.

“If it’s the same person that Cllr Nelson’s talking about, I reported this over a year ago. The exact same person leaving their car charging all day.”

Director of Environmental Services & Sustainability, Jonathan Hayes confirmed the issue would be looked into.

“Certainly, we are happy to look at this as a specific item, but equally we want to look at the wider context around our off-street and on-street car parks as well, and our facility car parks, so content that we try to expedite a solution in relation to this.

“Elected members and customers, we have noted their concerns in relation to this particular matter, so happy to [take] action.”

Committee chair, Councillor Sarah Duffy pointed out there was still a lack of EV charging stations in council-owned car parks.

The senior council officer explained this was being looked into as part of a wider review, saying: “I think it feeds into a wider review of our electrical charge points across our facility and our off-street car-parking.”

Councillor Mary O’Dowd (SF) was anxious to find out what cost was attached to providing free electricity to EV motorists.

The council officer replied: “I’ll follow up with the director and the head of Department in Health and Recreation, and we’ll get back to you on that matter.”

Alderman Paul Greenfield (DUP) felt it was important to make sure the EV charging policy was not being abused.

A council spokesperson has since clarified that EV car charging ports are indeed free at South Lake Leisure Centre, however officers have put overnight controls in place, so that electricity is only available during operational hours of the centre.

Furthermore, a council-wide approach to EV chargers is currently taking place, which includes options for charging.