Users of the parliamentary estate have been informed that from tomorrow they won’t be able to charge their electric vehicles in New Palace Yard’s underground car park.

The charging points are due to be removed on health and safety grounds following a review by the Safety and Fire teams, and in consultation with the Chair of the Administration Committee.

Four chargers in Speaker’s Court are still available for users but require a “charging card” that can be obtained from the Speaker’s Office. Because it’s likely to be so busy – “space to charge in Speaker’s Court also cannot be guaranteed” – palace authorities have insisted that EVs cannot be left on charge overnight and that drivers should “only use charging points on the estate for as long as necessary, moving your vehicle promptly once complete,” according to Order-Order.com.

To provide reassurance authorities say “longer term, the intention is to increase the capacity for charging electric cars on the estate. However, the number of charging points will be dictated by the emerging electrical vehicle and fire safety guidance, and availability of adequate infrastructure/power.” 

(Pic: Stefan Haytov/Dreamstime.com)