Saanich is looking to permit electric cars but not without getting input from a number of concerned groups.

“If we want to move in this direction, we want to make sure we have a total discussion,” said Coun. Susan Brice.

Brice, who also chairs the Capital Regional District’s Environment Committee, pushed the region to adopt a model bylaw that all municipalities could adopt.

CRD completed the bylaw Nov. 12. The regulation encourages all core-area communities to allow zero-emissions vehicles (commonly known as electric cars) on streets with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h. The bylaw also recommends only allowing the vehicles to drive in the right-hand lane, except for passing.

At Monday night’s council meeting, Brice moved that Saanich adopt the model bylaw after it goes to committee of the whole. The motion received unanimous support.

Many stakeholders have concerns, pointed out Coun. Vicki Sanders, who co-chairs Saanich’s Advisory Traffic Committee.

Oak Bay did very little research before becoming the first municipality in Canada to legalize electric cars, Sanders said of comments at the last ATC meeting. Oak Bay passed its bylaw in August.

Transport Canada and B.C. police chiefs both have safety concerns about the electric vehicles, she pointed out.

“These vehicles...are not comparable to a regular vehicle,” Sanders said. “They were designed to be used in specific situations such as gated communities, almost similar to a golf cart ... We need a report from our solicitor on our liabilities should we approve to have them.”

Coun. Judy Brownoff requested input from ICBC and the provincial government, that has jurisdiction over many of the roads in Saanich.

Coun. Vic Derman, who in July moved that Saanich staff research the feasibility of electric cars, asked that they present its recommendations to committee of the whole.

Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Colwood have all legalized electric cars.

rholmen@saanichnews.com