Cheshire council to review safety of EVs in car parks

Cheshire West and Chester Council is to commission safety review focussed on using electric vehicles in multi-storey and enclosed car parks.

The review will assess the health and safety risks associated with EV fires and the concerns of vehicle weight in both council-owned and privately operated car parks. The findings will also be used to inform any future policy decisions.  

The council will establish a ‘task and finish’ group to review existing policy regarding EVs in multi-storey and enclosed car parks and work alongside Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to understand the specific fire safety risks associated with EVs and their mitigation measures. 

The group will also work with engineers to understand the impact of EV and SUV weight on car park capacity and whether restrictions might be required. It will report back to the full council within six months, setting out their findings, risk assessment, and any recommendations for policy or operational changes.  

The motion calling for the review was forward by Cllr Lynn Gibbon, and seconded by Cllr Razia Daniels.  Their motion acknowledged the recent rise in the use of EVs on public roads, reflecting the “ongoing transition to greener and more sustainable transport”, and the duty of care of the council to “manage risks that come alongside new technology”.  

During the debate, members questioned the media reporting of multi-storey car park fires caused by lithium batteries, considering that the fire service did not record that data. Whilst Members did acknowledge that lithium batteries were more difficult to extinguish, fires were far more likely to be caused by petrol or diesel with 25 fires per 100,000 EV cars whilst there were 1,530 fires per 100,000 combustible engines.

Members noted that there was no current evidence to support the idea that the weight of EV cars had caused the collapse of bridges or multi-storey car parks. However, it was questioned whether a significant number of EV cars spread over the car park could raise the risk of structural weakness in the future, especially given the rise in popularity and usage of EV vehicles which was continuing to grow. Continued increased weight on bridges, which may not have been accounted for when constructing highways in the past, should also be reviewed to ensure responsible future infrastructure needs. 

Members acknowledged the positive environmental impact that EV vehicles brought and sustainable, greener options was important to the climate change agenda but with EV’s becoming an increasing mode of transport, members felt that the council should take a proactive stance to gather evidence and work with fire and structural experts. This would also reassure residents that public safety was a priority and give the public confidence that the council were supporting the transition to greener transport and future transport infrastructure whilst taking into account any future risk.

After the meeting Cllr Gibbon said: “This motion isn’t about restricting electric vehicles – it’s about ensuring our car parks are safe and fit for the future. As vehicle technology evolves, so must our infrastructure and safety policies. This review will help us plan sensibly and protect both residents and assets.” 

Cllr Davies added: “It’s important we take an evidence-led, collaborative approach to emerging safety issues. Working closely with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and council officers will give us the knowledge to make informed, practical decisions.”