When charging a vehicle on the street, we do not condone the use of trailing cables across pavements, footways or highway but recognise that in some circumstances this form of charging may be the only option when charging at home.
Refer to your vehicle’s handbook and any instructions for the use of cables, including extension cables, and seek advice from a qualified electrician before charging an electric vehicle.
It is important to consider public safety and existing legislation when placing the cable from the power supply in your home to your vehicle. Any legal liability arising from the placement of the cable or protector is your responsibility. Check with your home insurer to confirm that your home insurance policy covers this situation.
Owning/running an EV and wanting to charge on street at home does not convey any additional ‘rights’ to parking outside any property.
Vehicles should be parked as close to your property electrical outlet as possible to reduce the cable length required. You should run the cable along the carriageway channel against the kerb where an EV cannot be parked immediately outside the property. The recommended maximum distance to charge an EV from the property is ten metres (approximately two car lengths). Any parking restrictions and the advice contained within the Highway Code should be adhered to at all times.
The cable must not cross the carriageway, obstruct the footway or any other access.
Cables must be laid flat with a cable protector. They should not be extended from an upper storey to a vehicle or hung from any street furniture, including lamp columns or trees. A cable must only be placed over the footway when the vehicle is charging and should be removed when not in use. The cable protector should cover the area which will be walked across, including the width of the footway and verge between the property and the vehicle. The cable protector must be non-slip and have contrasting colour markings in yellow or a similar highly visible colour. It must have anti trip sloped sides and be rigid enough for outdoor use.
Currently an EV charging cable does not require a license, however as policies are reviewed and updated this may change in future. Where a location is not suitable then the council has existing powers under Section 162 of the Highways Act to seek to have the cable removed.
When considering adding a proprietary charging point to their home, residents need to consider current planning regulations. Further guidance is available on planning permission for electric vehicle charging points. Charging boxes and other charging devices are not permitted to overhang or encroach onto the pavement or highway, only the cable is allowed.
You can contact the local planning authority for further information if needed. However, if you want a formal decision as to whether planning permission is required you will need to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for which a fee is payable. Full details can be found on our submitting an application page.