Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) - Response to Consultation on proposed changes to energy standards within Scottish building regulations

MACS response to Consultation on proposed changes to energy standards within Scottish building regulations, including related topics such as ventilation, overheating and electric vehicle charging provision.

Part 7 - Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Question 51

What are your views on our policy goal to enable the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points and ducting infrastructure (to facilitate the future installation of EV charge points) for parking spaces in new residential and non-residential buildings parking?

Response - MACS are happy with the approach taken in relation to the future installation of charging points and also the suggested exemptions.

Question 52

What are your views on our preferred options for EV provision in new and existing buildings?

Response - MACS are happy with the suggested approach and preferred options.

Question 53

Do you agree with the Scottish Government's preferred options for the exemptions as set out in section 7.6.1?

Yes

Question 54

What are your views on how our preferred option relating to existing non-residential buildings with car parks with more than 20 spaces could be properly monitored and enforced, given that the Building (Scotland) Regulations will not apply?

Response - Where abuse of bays can take place, particularly abuse of accessible parking bays, monitoring and enforcement is always welcomed.

Question 55

What are your views on the proposed provision for charge points for accessible parking spaces? Do you have examples of current best practice for the provision of charge points for accessible parking spaces?

Response - Detailed specifications should be provided within the Technical Handbooks in relation to the size of the bays, access to the charging infrastructure and access to surrounding areas. There are a number of examples of inaccessible charging infrastructure currently in place where for example a wheelchair user would be able to park in the bay but would not be able to physically access the charger due to additional infrastructure i.e. bollards or rails put in place to protect the charging point.

Due to the time taken to charge some vehicles, any ancillary areas e.g. seating and/or picnic benches should be accessible both in terms of barrier free access to these areas, firm level surfaces and the type of facilities being provided; accessible furniture.

Question 56

Do you have any other views that you wish to provide on the EV section of the consultation (e.g. the minimum standard of EV charge point or safety within the built environment)?

Response - MACS welcomes the introduction of guidance on EV Charging infrastructure and the inclusion of accessible bays that will also accommodate EV charging facilities.