CROW shares new guidelines on safety of charging cables and stations in sidewalks
POLIS member CROW's new comprehensive study aims to better understand the impact of charging cables and charging stations in public spaces and provide municipalities with practical recommendations to ensure safe and inclusive public environments.
In our transition towards electric mobility, the deployment of sufficient charging infrastructure is a requirement. As a leading country in the electromobility transition, the Netherlands has high ambitions in fleet electrification, as well as the necessary charging infrastructure. According to the latest data from EAFO, in the Netherlands, there are currently more than 1 million alternative-fueled vehicles (of which 600.000 BEV and 400.00 PHEV, approximately), as well as around 200.000 recharging stations, with a power output that largely surpasses the AFIR fleet-based target. While this progress is essential for achieving climate goals, it also brings new challenges, particularly its impact on urban public spaces.
One of these challenges is the existence of inaccessible and unsafe pavements due to private charging cables laid over the pavement or public charging stations placed on the pavement. This is particularly challenging for elderly persons and persons with disabilities, and it is a matter of concern to POLIS and its members.
How to keep the sidewalks safe and accessible?
POLIS member CROW, in collaboration with KennisOverZien and Ieder(in) have taken the initiative to explore the situation around charging facilities on pavements and to draw up recommendations for municipalities on how to prevent bottlenecks. The result of this work is a recently published document that provides targeted recommendations and answers to the following questions:
- What are the developments with regard to private charging cables and charging stations?
- What are the consequences of the use of private charging cables and the installation of charging stations on the accessibility and safety of sidewalks for pedestrians?
- What options are there to prevent these problems and what are the pros and cons of these possible solutions?
This publication focuses primarily on the aspects that influence the accessibility and safety of sidewalks. It was based on a literature review as well as surveys among persons with disabilities and among municipalities. Results were discussed involving experienced experts, municipal officials, and representatives of the charging sector. These discussions informed a set of recommendations for municipalities regarding the use of private charging cables and the placement of charging stations. The document concludes with suggestions for potential next steps.
For more information, you can visit CROW's website and download the full report here.
