All on-street charging points for electric vehicles in Portsmouth have been disconnected after safety concerns were raised by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)

The concerns relate to how the charging points were installed, using the electricity supply from lamp columns. Following advice from SSEN, Portsmouth City council took the decision to disconnect all 98 on-street charging points until they can be checked to ensure they are safe for use.

Portsmouth’s on-street charging points have operated since 2019. They use power from lampposts in the same way as charging points across the country. The infrastructure is owned by the installing company who is responsible for liaising with the electricity provider – in Portsmouth this is SSEN.

It is not known how long the charge points will be out of action for. The council has instructed both Joju and Ubitricity to satisfy SSEN that the charging points are safe to be used again as soon as possible.