Electric charging on sidewalks allowed in England

Starting from October 21, 2026, England allows a discreet sidewalk modification to help drivers without a garage to charge their electric vehicles. This change aims to make charging more accessible and affordable for those who park on the street.

Challenges of public charging stations

Charging an electric car when you have neither a garage nor a private driveway is often a mission impossible. In streets bordered by semi-detached houses, plugging in your vehicle means looking for a public charging station, sometimes far away, often more expensive.

New rule changes charging method

Since October 21, 2026, a new rule changes the way to pull a plug to your car. This reform targets drivers who park on the street and have no access to a private space. The British government aims to help with the high cost of living by offering savings on installation and charging costs.

Underground channel for sidewalk charging

At the heart of the device is the cross-pavement charging, a solution of a channel embedded in the sidewalk. A small conduit is integrated into the ground between the house and the edge of the road. The charging cable passes underneath, protected, rather than running on the surface like an extension cord.

Regulatory requirements and permits

This new regulatory flexibility must also remain framed. Before touching the sidewalk, residents must still obtain a work permit. It is issued by the road authority, the highway authority, under the Highways Act 1980. The electrical installation must be carried out by a qualified installer, according to current standards.

Government aims to boost electric car adoption

The government aims to make electric cars more affordable. In September 2026, electric car sales in the United Kingdom increased by 36% in a year. The "Electric Car Grant" helped more than 190,000 drivers save up to 3,750 £, about 4,300 €. This aid is for the purchase of a new electric vehicle.

User associations welcome the change

For user associations, this sidewalk opening changes a lot for households without private parking. The EVA England association closely follows the situation of these drivers without a garage or driveway. Removing the need for a planning permit for sidewalk charging is a really welcome step. And significant towards a fairer transition.

Real estate market reacts to the change

The real estate market is also closely following this movement. For a buyer, the possibility of charging an electric car without a garage becomes a criterion in choosing a home. Zoopla was proud to be the first real estate site to help buyers discover on-street charging stations nearby. And to search for homes with electric vehicle charging installations.

France considers similar solutions

In France, plugging in a simple extension cord over the sidewalk is generally considered dangerous and can be penalized. The famous "yolocharging" is fueling the debate on a possible embedded gutter solution like the British one. If the authorities wanted, they could secure street charging for those who live without a garage.