Blackburn with Darwen resident feedback drives ACO cross-pavement charger redesign
By Eve
Blackburn with Darwen Council trialled cross-pavement EV charging infrastructure with ACO, targeting roughly 15,462 homes (26% of borough properties) without off-street parking. Council highways teams flagged metal theft risk and usability concerns, prompting ACO to replace metal covers with interlocking recycled rubber sections that residents can lift as one piece. The redesign simplified cable management for users and reduced installation complexity for contractors.
Why it matters: The case shows how early operator feedback during trials can reshape product design before wider rollout, cutting future maintenance and theft risk. For CPOs and councils procuring on-street solutions, it highlights the value of piloting hardware in varied street conditions rather than deploying off the shelf.