Experts have called on Labour to introduce new motoring rules that would affect every homeowner and tenant in the UK in 2026. Specialists at EVA England have urged the Government to reform planning rules for cross-pavement charging.
The system will allow owners without off-street parking, such as those living in flats or apartments, to safely top-up their vehicles using a small channel installed in the pavement next to the house. These holes would run charging cables from a house to an EV underneath the pavement, allowing electric car owners to enjoy access to cheaper energy rates.
Those topping up an EV at home pay just 5% VAT on electricity compared to 20% at public electric car charging bays, meaning drivers could save hundreds of pounds.
The Government has opened up a consultation around reforming planning rules for cross-pavement charging, with EVA England among those to submit evidence. Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, stressed drivers had been repeatedly calling for rule changes.
She said: “Cross-pavement charging could unlock affordable home charging for millions of households, yet too many drivers are stuck waiting, paying more, or putting off going electric entirely. This consultation is a real opportunity to remove one of the most frustrating and unnecessary barriers drivers face. We hope the Government will act on it.”
The Government consultation asked stakeholders whether new permitted development rights should be introduced for the installation of cross-pavement solutions. The consultation over cross-parking solutions ended on 21 January, with the Department for Transport (DfT) promising to publish a summary of responses soon after.
According to EVA England, more than nine in 10 (93%) of road users without a driveway do not currently have a cross-pavement solution. However, almost four in five (78%) said a system could realistically work for their home if they were allowed to proceed.
Many road users stressed they had battled refusals from councils over their cross-parking solution ideas. Meanwhile, many were simply deterred from applying for planning permission due to sky-high costs, with some quoted almost £3,000.
Ian Mackenzie, chief executive officer of Trojan Energy, explained: “There are proven, safe on-street charging solutions that do not intrude on the experience of other pavement users.
“Without strong deployment of these solutions, the 35% of drivers who park on-street risk being locked out of cheaper charging, seriously undermining equitable EV uptake and a truly just transition.”