EV pavement channels – safe home charging for residents without driveways

Many Salford residents do not have access to off‑street parking, which makes charging an electric vehicle at home difficult. Salford City Council is introducing a pilot scheme to install EV pavement channels as a safer way for residents to run a charging cable from their property to their vehicle.

An EV pavement channel is a narrow, flush‑mounted unit installed in the pavement. It allows your charging cable to be placed safely within an enclosed slot, reducing the chance of it becoming a trip hazard or causing an obstruction on the footway.

This page explains what EV channels are, who can apply, and how the scheme works. If your location is not suitable for a channel, our existing guidance on using a cable protector remains available as a fallback option.

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.

Why is Salford offering pavement channels?

The national guidance for local authorities encourages safe cross‑pavement solutions for people who cannot install a driveway. Channels help to:

• reduce the hazards caused by trailing cables across the footway
• support residents who cannot charge on private property
• improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs
• reduce reliance on cable protector mats, which can obstruct narrow streets
• support Salford’s wider EV strategy and climate objectives

Channels are not appropriate everywhere, so applications are assessed individually by our Highways Licensing Team.

Who can apply for a pavement channel?

You may be eligible if:

• you live in a residential property
• you do not have off‑street parking and cannot create it through planning
• a vehicle can normally be parked outside your home
• the footway outside your property is suitable for installation
• you have, or intend to install, a BS 7671‑compliant home chargepoint

Applications will be assessed against Salford City Council’s Location Assessment Criteria, which consider safety, visibility, electrical clearances and the characteristics of your street.

Will a channel reserve a parking space for me?

No. The installation of an EV pavement channel does not give any right to a parking space. Parking on the public highway remains first‑come, first‑served. You may only use the channel when parked legally and safely adjacent to it.

How much does installation cost?

The council currently has access to a limited external grant for this pilot.

This means:

• early applicants may have their installation costs and licence fee fully funded, subject to eligibility and remaining funding;
• once funding is allocated, future applicants may be asked to contribute to the installation cost.

You will always receive a quotation before proceeding if a contribution is required.

What conditions will apply if my application is approved?

If your location is approved, you will need to sign a Section 178 Highways Act licence, which includes conditions such as:

• using a single continuous charging cable (no adapters or daisy‑chains)
• keeping the channel lid fully closed when not inserting or removing the cable
• removing the cable immediately after charging
• parking legally and adjacent to the channel
• maintaining safe cable positioning at all times
• keeping appropriate public liability insurance
• reporting any channel defects immediately

The licence does not transfer if you move home.

How do I apply?

To apply, email: EVPavementChannels@salford.gov.uk 

You will receive an automatic reply with the application form. Once submitted, our officers will complete an initial assessment and contact you about the next steps.

What if my location is not suitable for a channel?

Where installation is not possible due to footway layout, highway safety or other constraints, you may still be able to charge your EV at home using a cable protector, provided it is used safely and in line with our existing guidance.

Charging with a cable protector remains a fallback option only, and residents are responsible for ensuring the cable does not create a hazard. Unsafe cable arrangements may be removed under the Council’s existing Highways Act powers.

More information

If you have a question before applying, please email: EVPavementChannels@salford.gov.uk