Tesla owners could face a $330 fine if they lay their electric car’s charging cable across a sidewalk because they don’t have a driveway.
John Slaytor and Chantal Decaluwe live in the leafy suburb of Waverton on Sydney’s North Shore. They have limited off-street parking options.
The couple decided to run the charging cable from their house across the sidewalk so they could charge the car outside.
“This is a dead end street, there’s no one here late at night,” Mr. Slaytor said. A current case.
He said it was also cost-effective, as he would otherwise have to pay up to $60 to charge the eco-friendly vehicle at a commercial charging station.
The couple also installed cable protectors on top of the cord to ensure pedestrian safety and limit damage to the wire.
But the quick fix has not gone down well with North Sydney City Council, which has threatened the pair with a huge fine if they commit the act again.
The council considers electric vehicle cables running along sidewalks to be “a risk to public safety.”
John Slaytor (right in the photo) and Chantal Decaluwe (left in the photo) decided to lay the charging cable along the sidewalk, because they don’t have a driveway
Mr Slaytor said the rule could discourage motorists from buying electric cars because there are not enough public charging stations for electric cars.
“I think it’s a barrier to electric vehicle adoption and we’re in a climate emergency,” he said.
‘Everything we can do to facilitate the use of electric cars should be considered’.
Mr Slaytor wants the council to issue an electric vehicle charging permit to residents who can demonstrate that their charging systems are safe.
A North Sydney City Council spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the council is actively taking steps to assist residents who use electric vehicles.
“The council is working to develop an evidence-based approach to electric vehicle policy,” the spokeswoman said.
‘The electric vehicle market is constantly evolving. To ensure the best possible outcomes for society, we need a coordinated and informed approach.’
The council encourages motorists to use the charging stations in public car parks if they cannot charge their car at home.
The couple also installed cable protectors on top of the cord to protect pedestrian safety and limit damage to the wire
All activities related to electric vehicle charging require council approval under the Local Government Act 1993.
Municipalities own and are responsible for managing public charging points for electric vehicles.
The New South Wales Government has committed to investing $260 million in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Sales of electric vehicles across Australia remain steady. According to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, 10,464 full battery electric vehicles were sold in March.