Residents without driveways in Staffordshire and 19 other UK council areas could face higher electric vehicle charging costs, according to a new report. These councils are forcing EV drivers without off-street parking to pay more for charging, creating a 'postcode lottery' for electric vehicle owners.
Council Policies on Pavement Charging
Despite Labour's October promise to slash red tape and allow charging 'gullies' in pavements without planning permission, these councils either ban or have no policy on such solutions. Home charging is significantly cheaper than public rapid chargers, but residents in affected areas face higher costs.
Staffordshire County Council stated: 'At present, Staffordshire County Council does not permit the trailing of cables or the installation of any cross-pavement solutions for Electric Vehicles.' The council cited health and safety concerns, particularly for visually impaired and mobility-impaired residents.
Ealing Council also rejected gully trials, with a spokesperson saying they 'took into account the needs of people using the borough's pavements, including the elderly and less able-bodied individuals.'
Government Response
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband previously said the government needs to 'go faster' on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, adding that 'every EV on the road makes our country more secure.' The full list of 20 councils where households are excluded from the new driveway rule is available online.
