On-street EV charging solutions firm char.gy has partnered with Charge Saint to tackle the growing issue of ‘bay blocking’.
The issue, which restricts EV drivers from accessing charging points, is aiming to be overcome by the
collaboration. It seeks to enhance the accessibility and reliability of charging infrastructure by improving bay management and ensuring charge points remain fully operational.
EV drivers who encounter a blocked charging bay or a damaged charge point can report the issue through the Charge Saint app.
Charge Saint’s monitoring technology will be integrated into char.gy’s network operations, providing real-time data on charge point usage.
The integration ensures that all reports submitted by EV drivers using char.gy charge points are sent directly to char.gy, allowing the Charge Point Operator (CPO) to take swift action. The data collected from drivers can also be shared with local authorities, helping them understand when, where, and how often bays are blocked.
This valuable insight enables local authorities to make more informed decisions and take enforcement action when necessary.
This solution aims to encourage responsible parking behaviour, as accessible and efficient charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.
A spokesperson for Charge Saint said:
“char.gy is taking on-street charging very seriously, with forward-thinking time-of-use tariffs, excellent insights into how people use their charge points, and an ambitious expansion plan.
“They are an invaluable lifeline for EV drivers without off-street parking from London to East Lothian, Scotland.
We believe Charge Saint will further enhance the user experience by identifying problem areas where charging
bays are frequently misused, as well as registering photographic evidence of vandalism or suspicious QR code
stickers. By collaborating with Charge Saint and Local Authorities, char.gy is taking a proactive stance in
eliminating these challenges, ensuring their charge points remain accessible when drivers need them most.”
A member of the Powered Up Conference steering committee said:
“We believe local authorities across the UK are committed to expanding EV charging infrastructure while balancing the needs of all road users.
“Ensuring that charging bays remain accessible is essential to encouraging EV adoption and supporting the transition to cleaner transport.
“Councils must be informed about recurring incidents to take enforcement measures and consider implementing dedicated EV bays. The innovative solution offered by char.gy and Charge Saint has the potential to streamline this process, helping local authorities ensure that charging infrastructure remains reliable and accessible for drivers across the country.”
char.gy CEO, John Lewis said:
“Partnering with Charge Saint allows us to take a more proactive approach in ensuring charge point availability
and swiftly addressing issues like physical damage and bay misuse.
“Their thorough approach to reporting and commitment to enabling quick response times is what sets this solution apart.”
Image from Shutterstock
