Starting Wednesday, drivers in England without off-street parking no longer require planning permission to install cross-pavement gullies—narrow channels embedded in pavements that allow electric vehicle charging cables to reach parked vehicles without creating trip hazards. The regulatory change aims to address barriers faced by approximately 9.3 million households lacking private driveways.
Charging vehicles at home through these gullies costs substantially less than public charging options, with potential savings reaching up to 90 percent. The planning permission requirement previously cost drivers between £300 and £500 to remove. Installation costs vary significantly by location, ranging from £250 in South Gloucestershire to over £1,200 in some areas, though the government allocated £25 million to councils for subsidizing installations. Some local authorities offer grants covering half or full installation costs for early adopters, while others charge annual maintenance fees ranging from £107 to £185.
Despite the regulatory change, more than 20 local authorities have declined to permit gully installations, citing concerns about footway safety, maintenance responsibilities, liability issues, and accessibility for elderly residents and those with mobility challenges. London boroughs including Waltham Forest, Hackney, and Ealing are among the holdouts. Residents in conservation areas must still obtain planning permission regardless of the new rules.
The uneven adoption creates disparities between neighboring councils, frustrating some drivers seeking to switch to electric vehicles. Supporters of the change argue simpler procedures will facilitate EV adoption, while councils maintaining restrictions emphasize resource limitations and safety considerations for pedestrians. Industry representatives note installation typically takes one to two hours and gullies are designed for long-term durability.
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