Electric vehicle charging - guidance for residents
A well-marked cable mat is used to protect any users of the footway from the cable.
Installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging point
You must contact your local planning authority before installing a residential charging point. You must meet the relevant conditions before any installation is undertaken.
Always refer to your EV’s instructions for using cables, including extension cables. If necessary, you should ask the advice of a qualified electrician before charging.
Charging EVs where there is no off-street parking at home
This guidance is to help you make an informed decision about charging an EV in an on-street location.
Trailing your cable across the footpath
Charging cables can only cross footways if they are inside a proper cable protector. Always think about public safety before you run a cable from your home to your vehicle.
Existing legislation might also be an issue.
Check that your home insurance policy covers any situation that might arise.
- You are responsible for the cable and any cable protectors
- You must not obstruct the footway or anyone’s access
- You must not put anyone at risk
Parking your vehicle for charging
- Park on the same side of the road as your property
- The cable must not cross the road
- Get as close to the property as you can with the charging socket facing the property where possible. If you cannot park immediately outside, run the cable in the lower edge of the kerb
- The recommended longest distance to run a cable for charging an EV is 10 metres
- It is your responsibility to adhere to any parking restrictions
- Do not block the footway.
Charging your vehicle
Refer to your manufacturer’s handbook. If you need an extension lead it must be suitable for external use. Refer to any instructions for the extension use.
Your cable
- It is your responsibility to make sure your cable does not cause a danger, risk or nuisance to the public
- The cable should lie flat. It should only run at ground level
- Cables must never hang from or over: street furniture, streetlamps, trees or over walls and hedges
- You should use a cable protector for your cable
- Only leave the cable over the footway while the EV is charging. Remove the cable when not in use.
At the moment you do not need a licence for an EV charging cable. As we review and update policies, this might change. A licence is necessary for all other temporary placement of cabling on or over the Highway.
Using a cable protector
The only safe way to run a cable from your property to your vehicle is to use a proper cable protector. These are often used in public spaces to cover cables or wires.
Your cable protector should cover the full width of the footway. It should also cover any grass verge between the property and the vehicle.
The cable protector should be non-slip and suitable for outdoor use. It should have contrasting colour markings for visibility. It should have sloped, anti-trip sides, and be of a tough construction.
The use of a cable protector is your responsibility. Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that it’s durable and suitable for outdoor use. Don’t leave the cable protector out once you’ve finished charging.
Using an EV charging cable in a location that is not suitable
We have existing powers under Section 162 of the Highways Act to seek to have the cable removed. We will act upon any inappropriately used cables, or any cables that are causing obstruction.