Users of the parliamentary estate have been informed that from Friday this week they won’t be able to charge their electric vehicles in New Palace Yard’s underground car park: “These charging points are due to be removed on health and safety grounds following a review by the Safety and Fire teams, and in consultation with the Chair of the Administration Committee.” Tony Blair will be pleased…
There remain four chargers in Speaker’s Court the use of which a “charging card” will have to be obtained from the Speaker’s Office. Because it’s likely to be so busy – “space to charge in Speaker’s Court also cannot be guaranteed” – palace authorities say you can’t leave EVs overnight and that drivers should “only use charging points on the estate for as long as necessary, moving your vehicle promptly once complete.” Essentially – don’t use the chargers…
To provide reassurance authorities say “longer term, the intention is to increase the capacity for charging electric cars on the estate. However, the number of charging points will be dictated by the emerging electrical vehicle and fire safety guidance, and availability of adequate infrastructure/power.” Stick with your petrol motor for now…
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”