Portsmouth EV Charging Points Pulled Over Safety Fears
All 98 On-Street Chargers Disconnected
Portsmouth City Council has shut down all 98 on-street electric vehicle charging points amid safety concerns. The chargers, which draw power from nearby lampposts, are now off until a thorough safety check is completed.
Lamppost Power Sparks Safety Alarm
Installed back in 2019, Portsmouth’s EV chargers tap into lamp column electricity supplies—common across the UK. But after advice from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the council acted quickly to pull the plugs until safety is confirmed.
Charging Firms Under Pressure to Deliver
The charging infrastructure is owned by the installing firms, who must coordinate with SSEN to prove the equipment is safe. Portsmouth council has ordered Joju and Ubitricity to resolve the issue fast, but there’s no word yet on when the chargers will be back online.
