Drivers frustrated as electric charging points in Ossett and Horbury left inactive for months

Two charging points for electric cars have been out of action for several months, to the frustration of drivers.
Electric points were set up across the district at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020.Electric points were set up across the district at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020.
Electric points were set up across the district at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020.

The stations, located in Ossett and Horbury, are among 13 across the Wakefield district which have been put up since the end of last year.

But the point in Ossett, on Ventnor Street, has not been working since it got damaged in July after a car crashed into it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And another point on High Street in Horbury has never been active during its year in existence because of a faulty cable.

Drivers have never been able to use this charging point in Horbury because of a faulty cable.Drivers have never been able to use this charging point in Horbury because of a faulty cable.
Drivers have never been able to use this charging point in Horbury because of a faulty cable.

Engie operates the stations on behalf of Wakefield Council, which says the High Street port will finally go live at the end of this month.

Haydn Simpson, an electric car driver from Ossett, said the issues with both points meant he has to regularly charge his car in Wakefield.

Mr Simpson, 63, said: "It's just a bit of a pain really.

"It would certainly make life easier if they were fixed.

"When the charging points are operational in Wakefield, Leeds and Kirklees and everywhere else you wonder why Ossett and Horbury have been left behind?"

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ports across the district that are functioning remain free to use until October next year.

Glynn Humphries, the council's corporate director for the environment and climate change, said: "The Ventnor Street charge point in Ossett had to be disconnected in July following a road traffic accident where a car collided with the feeder pillar to the charge point.

"A request was made to Northern Powergrid for the charger to be reconnected to the mains supply and we are currently awaiting a date for this to be completed."

“Unfortunately, the charger on High Street in Horbury could not be connected to the main supply due to a technical issue with the supply cable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We understand this is frustrating for our residents and apologise for the inconvenience caused. The charger is due to be connected by the end of this month.

“Providing electric vehicle charging points is a priority for us and other chargepoints are available in the district, with more to come in the coming months.”

Local Democracy Reporting Service