British EV drivers no longer need planning permission to install a cross-pavement charging gully.
The gullies allow for a cable to be run from a home wallbox to a car parked at the kerbside without obstructing the pavement.
Installing one requires carving out a section of the paved surface so that it's deep enough to run the cable through without creating a trip hazard, and such work previously required planning permission.
Buses and local transport minister Simon Lightwood described it as “unnecessary red tape” and claimed the government’s removal of the requirement could save motorists £300 when installing a wallbox.
It will also make the prospect of switching to an EV more palatable for those without off-street parking, such as a driveway.
According to the RAC, more than nine million of the UK’s 27 million homes lack off-street parking or the potential to install an off-street space.
Vicky Edmonds, head of the Electric Vehicle Association England, said it's a “meaningful step towards a fairer transition”.
According to a survey of 1668 drivers conducted by the lobby group in 2025, 60% of petrol and diesel car owners who lack off-street parking would never consider an EV.
“It’s now up to local authorities and landlords to make these solutions easier to access in practice,” said Edmonds.
The decision to ease planning requirements comes after the government last year set up a £25 million grant to support cross-pavement charging solutions.
In addition, it has launched two new consultations aimed at making home charging easier and to ensure newbuild homes are fitted with a charging solution.
The government is also considering updating building regulations so that new or refurbished covered car parks are required to offer public EV chargers.