Anger as work starts to install controversial EV charge points
Highways chiefs have defended the rollout of controversial electric vehicle charge points in Cheltenham amid residents’ anger that their objections were “ignored”.
Workers started installing the new charge points in Lyefield Road East in Charlton Kings this week.
However, the installation, which will see four parking spaces restricted for electric vehicle use only, has caught several residents off guard.
Stephen Williams, who lives nearby, believes the work is being “pushed through” and what the council is doing is “not democratic”.
He said he was surprised by the works as “99 per cent of people are against it”.
“If you look down our street most of us have diesel or petrol cars and those who have electric cars have their own charge points anyway so they don’t need them,” he said.
“We had very little comeback from our Liberal Democrat county councillor about it.
“We are banging our heads against a wall. We’ve got an infant school down here. People use it as a rat run.”
Mary Wilson, another resident, said people are angry and upset about the electric vehicle points being put into their “very busy road”.
She also raised concerns about the nearby school and believes the siting of the charge points is “completely inappropriate”.
“We have had no discussion with anyone and in fact when we did email the EV site,” she said. “An automated message said they would get back to us, they never have.
“Frankly, they are ignoring our concerns and have never acknowledged anything the local residents have concerns either, not very democratic, I think.
“We then find a notice on a lamppost in the road placed there on week commencing February 23, 2026.
“It is frankly unacceptable that such a small hugely busy road has to have these points put in place.”
Graham Wilson, another resident, said people are deeply concerned and frustrated over the “total disregard of residents’ views on the siting of the EV charging points on Lyefield Road”.
“We have previously notified the Gloucestershire EV people in February last year with no reply,” he said. “We have related our concerns to the MP, local councillor and parish councillor.
“There is a disregard of the democratic process. We would expect a notification which has not been sent. There needs to be a proper meeting arranged with sufficient notice.”
Sustainable transport and strategic highways cabinet member Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley) said Gloucestershire County Council understand and appreciate the concerns raised.
He said they recognise that changes to parking and the street can be worrying, particularly on a busy road close to a school.
“The council’s electric vehicle charging strategy focuses on areas where people do not have off‑street parking and cannot install a charger at home,” he said.
“These are often streets with high parking demand, but they are also where public chargers are most needed. Around a quarter of new cars are now electric, and councils are expected to provide the local infrastructure to support this change before it’s too late.
“Residents and local councillors were consulted last year on these proposals. All feedback was carefully considered, including concerns about parking. In response, the original plan for four chargepoints was reduced to two, to limit the impact.
“Other locations were explored, but these were ruled out due to cost or road safety concerns.
“We are aware of concerns about school‑related traffic and will work with Charlton Kings Primary School to encourage more walking and scooting. After installation, usage and feedback will be monitored.
“We appreciate that not everyone will agree with this decision, but all proper processes have been followed.”