Electric vehicles

Charging at home can be difficult if you do not have a driveway. This pilot scheme offers a way to charge your vehicle safely from your property using a channel installed in the pavement.

The channel allows a charging cable to run between your home and your parked vehicle.

Normal parking rules still apply. You are not guaranteed a space outside your home.

Apply for a cross-pavement charging channel

You must apply through Kerbo Charge Ltd, the council's approved partner.

Kerbo Charge will:

• assess your property
• arrange installation
• provide maintenance for the channel

 Apply for a cross-pavement charging channel

Check your site is suitable before applying

You should only apply if your property and location are likely to meet the requirements.

Check that:

• you do not have off-street parking
• there are no parking restrictions, such as double yellow lines
• there are no site conditions that would prevent installation, such as grass verges
• your property has enough electrical capacity (a qualified electrician can advise)
• your charger will not obstruct the footway by more than 100mm
• there are no electrical hazards nearby, such as lampposts within 2.5 metres

Applications are assessed individually. Meeting these conditions does not guarantee approval.

Permissions you may need

You may need the following permission before installation:

• planning permission, if you live in a listed building or conservation area
• landlord permission, if you rent your home

Refer to the following documents for further information:

Insurance and installation requirements

You must meet the following requirements before installation:

• hold public liability insurance of at least £5 million for the use of the charging cable and channel, typically through your car insurance provider
• make sure your policy covers slips or trips
• provide evidence of insurance within 6 weeks of your installation

Your installation must:

• use an OZEV-approved chargepoint and installer
• include an open PEN detection device
• have an Electrical Installation Certificate

Costs to consider

You will need to pay for installation and related costs.

These may include:

• £500 contribution towards the channel installation (subsidised by the council)
• planning permission fees, if required
• £400 to £1,000 for a home chargepoint, depending on the installation and any grant received
• possible electrical upgrades to your property
• possible increases to your home insurance

The Section 178 licence is free during the pilot but may include a yearly fee in future.

Grants to help with costs

You may be able to get a government grant towards installing a home chargepoint.

The grant usually contributes to the chargepoint, not the pavement channel

Check eligibility on GOV.UK: Residential chargepoints: eligible vehicles

Your responsibilities after installation

If your application is approved, you must:

• comply with a Section 178 licence under the Highways Act 1980
• maintain the channel and report any faults
• follow all safety and licence conditions

The council may disable the channel if conditions are not met.

The pilot may end, and installations could be removed.