In the news

Sure, but in theory that gets reported and the council pop round to fix it. My experience is people don't report things but when I do they are repaired quickly, eg failed street lights.

That's part of councils' statutory duties. Channels that are basically private infrastructure would be different. It can obviously be legislated for, but I don't think it has. (I don't know much about the legislation so may well be wrong.)

Bollards

Too much roadside pavement things are a nuisance for getting in and out of cars. eg my mum with her Zimmer or wheelchair needs the car door wide open so you can't squeeze past a bollard.

Really not a problem. Drivers would naturally park where a bollard wouldn't obstruct them, and it wouldn't be 'too much' infrastructure, e.g. it wouldn't have to be at every car parking space. Drivers would naturally rotate spots depending on whether they would need to charge or not.

Flush when not in use are available and are being installed in some London boroughs. I'm yet to see one in use. Still lots of scope for the ground to move and then to be not flush.

Much less of a problem with a small circle than with a long channel. It would also work well with paved footways.

And not 'free solar' or whatever. The whole charge with your special rate seems to be another leg up for people with capital.

I'm sure. Probably much harder to do if you live, say, in a third-floor flat.