Plymouth’s city centre car parks may need strengthening over the next five to ten years to cope with the weight of electric vehicles, a report to the city council has revealed.

The city’s multi storey car parks were built between 1966 and 1980, long before the introduction of electric vehicles, and a survey next year will identify works that might be needed and costs involved to make them fit for purpose in the future.

Cars powered by electric tend to be heavier by 300kg to 400kg compared to petrol vehicles, according to Transport and Environment, a leading advocate for clean transport and energy.

A report to next week’s housing and community services scrutiny panel says that recent assessments of all of Plymouth City Council ’s five multi storey car parks - Western Approach, Theatre

See Full Page