Decision details

2026/127392

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Forum review the reallocation of parking on the northern side of St John Street, Newtown between the points 22.5 metres and 34.5 metres (two car spaces) west of Angel Street as "2P 8am-8pm, Electric Vehicles Only While Charging and "No Parking, Electric Vehicles Excepted While Charging All Other Times”.

Forum Members for this Item

Advice

The Forum raised no issues to the proposal for this Item and note the following comments:

Residents objecting to the proposal, stated:

o    Loss of on-street parking.

o    Impacts on residents who rely on street parking.

o    Potential disproportionate impacts on younger and lower-income residents.

o    Availability of existing nearby public charging infrastructure.

o    Concerns that EV-only spaces may remain underutilised.

A resident supported the proposal, stated:

o    EV charging infrastructure is necessary to support EV adoption.

o    Many residents do not have access to off-street charging.

o    Inner-city areas have high EV ownership rates and a growing need for local charging options.

o    Existing electrical infrastructure near the proposed location supports implementation.

Council Officers advised that:

o    Site selection was based on infrastructure suitability and demand from residents without off-street charging.

o    Alternative locations require suitable electrical poles and network capacity.

o    Suggestions regarding time-based EV parking restrictions and unrestricted parking after the EV charging hours could be considered in future reviews.

o    Continue monitoring utilisation of EV charging trial sites and review underperforming locations.

Background

The City’s Electrification of Transport in the City Strategy and Action Plan outlines key actions to support the transition towards achieving net zero emissions in transport, including advocacy and actions within the City’s control.

Action 20 of the Strategy and Action Plan outlines that the City will work with private sector providers to operate paid on-street electric vehicle charging in residential areas with constrained private charging opportunities. This should be cost neutral to the City and avoid negative impacts on the public domain and residential amenity. In collaboration with Ausgrid and EVX who are the charging point operator, the City is undertaking a limited trial of dedicated on-street parking for electric vehicle charging using Ausgrid infrastructure in St John Street, Newtown

The proposed location has existing electrical infrastructure for the charger installation, and lighting for its safe use. It will support residents without access to off-street parking or off-street public electric vehicle charging facilities, and minimises impacts to residents, footpath access, loading and mobility parking.