Using public EV chargepoints safely
Safely use a chargepoint located either on-street or in a car park by:
- parking responsibly and positioning your vehicle so the charging port is closest to the chargepoint socket
- managing your cable carefully, coiling any excess cable neatly on the ground behind the wheel of your vehicle to avoid creating a trip hazard - lay any remaining cable flat along the lower part of the kerb
- using designated bays only if you cannot park fully in the bay directly next to the chargepoint, please find an alternative location or wait until the bay is available for safe use
- not trailing cables along or across footways or carriageways under any circumstances
Help keep our streets safe for all users.
For advice on charging your electric vehicle at home when parked on the highway, please email [email protected].
Cross pavement home charging trial
The council has secured government funding to run a cross-pavement channel trial to enable residents to charge an EV more safely from home when parked on-street. The charging cable is sunk in a narrow channel cut into and across the pavement, mitigating trip hazard risks for other highway users when a vehicle is charging.
On 21 April 2026, the government announced that Planning Regulations are to change, removing the requirement for planning consent for the installation of home EV chargers, where private off-street parking is not available, where this is installed as part of an approved local authority scheme. This will save residents more than £600. Guidance on planning and building control regulations for the installation of EV chargers at home is available - this will be updated to reflect new regulations once they come into force.
The council is preparing a scheme for cross-pavement charging solutions. A targeted trial will be taken forward in 2026, with grants available for eligible participants. More details will be available once a supplier has been procured.
Last updated 31 August 2026