A councillor must remove an on-street electric vehicle charger he had installed outside his home in Reading.
Councillor Daya Pal Singh (Labour, Emmer Green) lives in Tuxford Mews, West Reading, and recently had an EV charging point fitted for his car.
A neighbour raised safety concerns, saying: “The installation involved drilling into a public footway to fix a private charger, leaving dangerous bolts protruding from the ground.
“This has created a severe trip hazard for neighbours and presents a major physical obstacle for my grandparent, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
The neighbour also cited The Highways Act 1980, which says no one can install apparatus or disturb the surface of public paths without official consent, and added: “I urge the council to investigate this breach immediately and ensure our public paths remain safe and accessible for every member of our community.”
A council spokesperson said Cllr Singh has been asked to remove the charging equipment. “The council does not allow private electric vehicle charging devices to be installed on the highway, but there is a process for obtaining a licence to run a charge cable across the pavement. We will be contacting the owner to ensure the equipment is removed.”
Cllr Singh said he is communicating with the council's highways and planning teams in a call at around 3.45pm on Thursday. February 19.
He has represented Emmer Green ward in Caversham since 2024; previously he served Kentwood ward in Tilehurst from 2016 to 2022.
The company Kerbo Charge has a contract with the council to provide private, on-street charging points after a successful trial that began in 2023. The total installation price is typically £832 plus VAT, with a £350 government chargepoint grant available to claim back.
There are also lamp-post chargers at eight locations across Reading and charging points at nine car parks.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
