The Future of Cross‑Pavement EV Charging in London
For many London drivers, owning an electric car isn’t the hard part. The real challenge is finding somewhere sensible to charge it.
If you’ve got a driveway or private parking space, fitting a home charger is usually straightforward once the electrics and cable route are checked. But thousands of London homes don’t have that luxury. Terraced houses, flats, and period properties often rely on kerbside parking, which means public charging is the default option.
That could soon change.
In September 2026, the UK Government confirmed plans for a new permitted development right covering cross‑pavement EV charging solutions. The idea is simple: make it easier for households without off‑street parking to charge their car at home.
But let’s be clear — this doesn’t mean you can just run a cable across the pavement. Safety, highway rules and proper installation standards still apply.
Why London faces a bigger challenge
London’s housing stock makes home charging tricky. Many properties:
- Have no driveway
- Rely on kerbside parking
- Are older buildings with limited electrical capacity
Public charging works, but it means hunting for an available unit, travelling to it, and often paying higher rates than you would at home. That’s why engineered cross‑pavement solutions are becoming so relevant — they allow safe charging without loose cables across footpaths.
For drivers who use their car daily, having a reliable charging option close to home can make the difference between EV ownership being practical or frustrating.
What the Government has announced
The Department for Transport intends to introduce a permitted development right for qualifying cross‑pavement systems and domestic chargepoints. The aim is to cut the time and cost of planning approvals.
However, this only covers the planning side. Local councils will still control works affecting pavements and highways. Licensing, safety and design requirements remain in place.
In short: the change could make installations easier, but it’s not a free pass. Homeowners will still need proper approvals, and every site will be judged on its own circumstances.
What is cross‑pavement charging?
A cross‑pavement system is designed for homes where the car is parked on the street. Instead of leaving a loose cable across the footpath, the installation provides a defined, protected route between the property and the vehicle.
The purpose is simple: allow an EV to be charged from a property without creating an unsafe trip hazard.
Because pavements are used by pedestrians, wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, the design of each installation matters. What works for one property may not be suitable for another.
Key considerations for homeowners
Before rushing to buy a charger, London residents should think carefully about the following:
- Parking location – You don’t own the kerbside space outside your house, even with a charger installed.
- Cable route and design – Cable length, pavement layout and electrical supply all affect feasibility.
- Electrical capacity – Older properties may need upgrades to consumer units, earthing or load management.
- Permissions – Councils retain powers over pavements and highways, so approvals are still required.
For flats and apartments, the situation is even more complex. Shared parking, communal infrastructure and landlord approval often mean a coordinated solution is better than individual chargers.
Will every council allow it?
Not necessarily. The permitted development right will come with conditions and limitations. Busy pavements, narrow footways or unusual kerb layouts may require extra attention. Boroughs will still have the final say on what’s acceptable in their area.
That means homeowners should never assume approval is automatic. A professional site assessment is the safest starting point.
Is home charging better than public charging?
It depends.
- Home charging offers convenience and can be cheaper depending on your electricity tariff.
- Public charging requires no property modifications but depends on availability and pricing.
For regular drivers, having a reliable option close to home is invaluable. For occasional users, public charging may be sufficient. The right solution depends on the property, parking situation, and local infrastructure.
What should you do next?
If you live in London and rely on street parking, don’t start by buying a charger. Begin with a site assessment. A qualified installer will check:
- Your property’s electrical supply
- Where the vehicle is normally parked
- The proposed charger position and cable route
- Pavement and access arrangements
- Permissions required from the council
- The type of cross‑pavement solution available
This avoids the common mistake of choosing a charger first, only to discover later that the property can’t support it.
What the 2026 change really means
The Government’s proposal is significant because it tackles one of the biggest barriers for households without driveways. It could make qualifying cross‑pavement installations simpler to arrange by reducing the planning burden.
But it’s not a blanket approval. Installations must still be properly designed, electrically compliant and safe for public use.
For London homeowners, the real benefit may be the combination of:
better access to home charging + safer cross‑pavement solutions + clearer planning arrangements.
Thinking about an EV charger?
If you’ve got a driveway or garage, a conventional home charger is still the simplest option. If you rely on street parking, the situation is more complicated — but options are improving.
At London EV Chargers, we specialise in installations across homes, flats, workplaces and commercial properties. We can assess your property and explain what type of EV charging arrangement may be suitable, including the practical considerations around parking, electrical capacity and installation routes.
📞 Call 0203 925 7389 or email info@londonevchargers.com to discuss your requirements.