Funds to aid EV crash rescues

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Star, The

The board met last Wednesday evening, April 10, at the Warrington Surf Club rooms. Waitati resident Cr Mandy Mayhem was present to listen to local issues

During the meeting’s public forum, the board was addressed by Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief Charles Abraham, who spoke in support of a funding application for $1817 to buy a specialised emergency ‘‘plug’’ to render electrical vehicles immobile at crash sites.

Mr Abraham said the growth of electric vehicles on the roads posed a new set of challenges for first responders, as there was a ‘‘real danger’’ of vehicles suddenly lurching forward and injuring someone while they were rendering aid.

‘‘A solution has been devised in Europe that is an emergency plug, while effectively shuts the EV down, so that the drive mechanism won’t go, which makes it safer to move around them,’’ he said.

It would be prudent for the Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade to have one of these units, which had a ‘‘universal fitting’’ and could be used on all EVs, although budget constraints meant it did not have funding to buy one itself.

Another issue which first responders had to look out for at a crash was the problem of the EV lithium battery overheating and causing a fire — something which was carefully monitored.

While there had been no EV crashes in the Waitati area as yet, given the rise in vehicle numbers, it was probably only a matter of time, Mr Abraham said.

Later in the meeting, the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board discussed the application and voted to grant the requested $1817 to the Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Hazards Also at the public forum, Warrington resident James Davidson spoke of safety hazards around the area, particularly in relation to roadside vegetation and narrow paths, which forced pedestrians to walk on the road. He also highlighted traffic concerns around the Esplanade beach entrance and other local roads.

Pine tree Evansdale resident Paul Jouanides also addressed the public...