Charging electric vehicles parked on-street at home – updated guidance

Salford City Council recognises that many residents do not have access to off‑street parking. Our priority is to support safe home charging while protecting pedestrians and other road users. This updated guidance explains how residents may charge an electric vehicle (EV) on‑street using a cable protector where no safer alternative is available, and introduces our new EV Pavement Channel pilot scheme.

EV pavement channels – a safer option

Salford City Council is now offering EV pavement channels as part of a pilot scheme. These provide a safer way to run an EV charging cable between a home chargepoint and a parked vehicle by enclosing the cable within a flush‑mounted slot in the pavement.

If your property is suitable for a pavement channel, this will be the preferred method for charging an EV at home. To enquire or apply, email: EVPavementChannels@salford.gov.uk.

Trailing cables using a cable protector (fallback option). The council does not condone the use of trailing cables across pavements, footways or the highway. However, we recognise that in some circumstances this may be the only option where a pavement channel cannot be installed.

Residents should refer to their vehicle’s handbook and any instructions for the use of cables. Seek advice from a qualified electrician before charging an electric vehicle.

It is important to consider public safety and legislation when placing a cable from your home to your vehicle. Any legal liability arising from the placement of the cable or protector is your responsibility. You should check with your home insurer that your policy covers this situation.

Owning or running an EV does not convey any right to park outside a specific property.

Safe placement of trailing cables using a cable protector requires: parking close to your property’s electrical outlet, running the cable along the carriageway channel against the kerb where needed, ensuring the cable does not cross the carriageway, and ensuring the cable does not obstruct the footway or any access point.

A suitable cable protector must be used when a cable crosses the footway. The protector should cover the full width of the footway and any verge crossed, be non‑slip and visible, have anti‑trip sloped sides, and be rigid enough for outdoor use.

The cable should only be placed on the footway while actively charging and must be removed immediately afterwards. Cables must not be hung from upper‑storey windows, balconies or street furniture including lamp columns or trees.

Relationship with the EV Pavement Channel scheme. If your location is suitable for a pavement channel, and you are approved under the scheme, you will be expected to use the channel rather than trailing a cable across the footway. Pavement channels require a Section 178 Highways Act licence and include conditions for safe use. Get further information about the pilot scheme.

Where a location is unsuitable for a channel, trailing‑cable use remains subject to this guidance. The council may remove unsafe cable arrangements under Section 162 of the Highways Act.

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. 

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.