“Great news for drivers” as Govt plans to improve cross-pavement charging

“People who park on the street should not face unnecessary extra hurdles just to access the cheaper and more convenient charging available to people with driveways.

“Removing the need for a separate planning application takes away one of those barriers.

“EVA England has worked hard to put this issue on the agenda, alongside Baroness Pidgeon and our partner organisations including the REA and New Automotive.

“Baroness Pidgeon secured the Government’s commitment to consult on this change during the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, so it is fantastic to see that commitment now turning into action.”

Mark Constable, head of transport policy at REA, said: “This is great news for a large proportion of those drivers who wish to move to an EV but have no off-street parking.

“The ability to access cheaper electricity via a home tariff is instrumental for their right to switch.

“Our members offering cross pavement solutions will welcome the removal of a significant barrier to uptake, along with councils who will be able to proceed with planned projects without the uncertainty of knowing whether these measures will be introduced.

“We are grateful to all the stakeholders on this campaign for their collective support in giving millions more drivers a compelling reason to switch to an EV.”

Ben Nelmes, CEO at New AutoMotive, added: “The best things in life are free, and enabling more people to charge their car on their home electricity supply is one of the best ways government can boost demand for electric vehicles without spending taxpayers’ money.

“This is an important step towards boosting EV adoption and enabling more households to access much-needed energy cost savings by going electric.”

Michael Goulden, director at Kerbo Charge, said: “This is excellent news for every UK resident without on-street parking and goes a long way to tackling the ‘driveway divide’ in the UK.

“A number of local authorities are awaiting this legislation change before launching cross-pavement charging so it can’t come soon enough.”

The Government has also expanded existing planning rights will be expanded to allow multiple units of supporting equipment in non-domestic car parks, while the overall permitted volume will increase from 29m³ to 45m³.

The announcement came as EVA England’s annual Steer the Conversation survey is open, to give both EV drivers and petrol and diesel drivers the chance to say what is working, what is holding people back from switching, and what needs to change.

EVA England is encouraging drivers across the country to take part, with the findings set to help shape its recommendations to Government and industry.