Labour has revealed it is looking to introduce electric vehicle-only parking spaces across the UK, which would be enforced through fines, as part of plans to help drivers give up petrol and diesel cars.
According to official documents, the move aims to ensure all drivers can charge conveniently for both daily and long-distance driving, while offering.
Under the proposals, Traffic Regulation Orders would be introduced to enforce and designate EV-only on-street parking bays.
The initiative comes as the UK works toward phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 under the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
The parking changes hope to encourage more drivers to give up petrol and diesel cars
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But the Public Accounts Committee has made several recommendations to address challenges in the rollout of EV charging infrastructure across the country.
The committee highlighted a "clear geographical divide" in the location of public charge points across the UK, with Labour being told it needs to urgently address the issue.
In its recommendations, it called for the Department for Transport to set out how it "identifies and assesses sub-regional variability" in public charge point need.
In response, the Government said it has put in place regulations to improve the consumer experience with EV charging, but the committee noted that some drivers pay significantly more than others to charge their vehicles.
The committee also highlighted VAT disparities between public and home charging, which the Government said it continues to review with HM Treasury.
The document detailed: "The shift to electric cars requires a new network of public charge points. While many drivers have driveways or garages where they can install a charge point for their private use, those without access to off–street parking will need to rely on public charge points.
"Even where drivers typically charge at home, they may need public charge points to charge their car during long journeys."
On April 7, the Government published its response to the consultation on phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
Going forward, the Government said it will focus on simplifying charge point installation across the UK.
The UK Government plans to have 80 per cent of new car sales be electric by 2030, rising to 100 per cent by 2035GB NEWSThe push for more electric vehicles comes at a crucial time for the UK, which is currently required to have at least 28 per cent of all new car sales electric by this year.
But due to concerns around charging infrastructures as well as high costs, many drivers have remained hesitant to make the switch.
The report added: "Going forward, there is a key role for Government to address challenges ahead by further simplifying charge point installation, ensuring nationwide charge point distribution and strong rapid charge point coverage and maintaining an accessible public charging experience.
"The department acknowledges that the chargepoint network needs to work for all users, including those with disabilities.
"It has been working with industry, disabled users, accessibility experts, charities, consumer groups and the devolved administrations to review the Publicly Available Specification standard for charge point accessibility."
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PAThe committee concluded that the Department for Transport "has more to do in planning ahead for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles".
