NFB: Standardisation is a must for the construction industry
National Federation of Builders
The Government has announced that the UK will undergo a massive improvement in electric charging point availability, after Parliament passed the Automatic and Electric Vehicles Act on 19 July 2018.
The legislation will ensure universal compatibility of charging points with different vehicles, standardise how charging points are paid for, and set reliability standards.
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) welcomes the decision to standardise charging points because it will inspire confidence in the consumer market, as well as motivating the construction industry to deliver many of these facilities either through new builds or retro-fitting.
However, the planning process remains a barrier to delivering this transformation change, unless it undergoes reform.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The Government clearly recognises the importance of standardising charging points for consumers and businesses alike and house builders will certainly welcome this move. Unfortunately the local planning system, which will deliver this transformational change, remains an interpretation of national planning policy.
“If the Government wants to tackle the housing crisis with the same vigour it is addressing air quality, it must build on its own plaudits and deliver a planning system that is consistent and clear for the entire house building supply chain.”
