The Government has introduced new rules for residential driveways, removing the requirement for planning permission to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The changes aim to cut red tape and accelerate the rollout of chargers ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
Boosting EV Charger Installation
Households no longer need to seek council approval to add charging points on their driveways. Previously, obtaining planning permission could take up to nine months, causing delays in the switch to electric vehicles. Ministers are keen to avoid unnecessary planning wrangles as the number of EV drivers increases.
Supporting the 2030 Target
The Government is aware that a considerable increase in charging infrastructure is needed before the 2030 ban. Research shows that concerns over battery life and charging times still deter large sections of the public from adopting electric vehicles. By streamlining the process, the government hopes to encourage more drivers to make the switch.
Additional Benefits
Households may also boost their incomes by renting out their charging points to other EV users. Businesses can similarly install chargers for public use. Minister for the Future of Roads at the time, Lilian Greenwood, stated: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with." She added that the government is investing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals.
Lewis Gardiner, operations director at Osprey Charging Network, hailed the change as "a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground." He noted that removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations will save months of delays, reduce costs, and accelerate the delivery of rapid charging hubs.
