Electric Vehicle On-Street Charging Guidance

Background

As we get closer to the Government’s ban of petrol and diesel vehicles coming into force (2030/35) we are seeing more people using Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Most EVs come with a charging cable for normal 13amp sockets or special home chargers, making it easy for those with off-street parking.

This guidance is for EV users without off-street parking, providing tips for charging on the street. It is crucial to follow existing legislation and ensure public safety when you are using a charging cable across the footway or in an area where people may walk to connect an EV to a power source.

Parking your car for charging

  • The person using/placing the charging cable is responsible for any liability and legal issues.
  • They should check with their car insurance provider to make sure if it covers trip cover while charging on the street.
  • Users must follow parking rules and not block the footway or access points.
  • The charging cable cannot cross the road, so the EV must be on the same side as the power source.
  • They must avoid putting themselves and others at risk when placing the charging cable.
  • EVs should be parked as close to the property as possible.
  • Where an EV cannot be parked immediately outside the property, the cable should cross the footway in the shortest possible route and then be run along the carriageway channel against the kerb.
  • The recommended maximum distance from a point outside the property is ten metres (approximately two car lengths).

Charging your car

  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging your EV, including cable use and the use of extension cables. Consult a qualified electrician if needed.
  • Any extension lead must be for outdoor use. Read and follow its instructions. Do not connect multiple extension leads together.
  • Keep cables flat and do not run them from upper floors or hang them from things like lamp posts or trees. Do not place plug sockets on the footway.
  • Cables should only go over the footway while charging and must be removed when not in use.
  • We suggest taking out motor insurance that covers trips over cables which are placed on the footway.
  • The person using the charger must ensure the cable does not create a safety issue or a nuisance for others.

Using a cable protector

A good way to safely run a charging cable from your property to your vehicle is by using a cable protector. They are often used in public areas to cover cables for short periods of time. They are usually bright in colour, making them stand out against regular cables and alerting people about the cable on the ground.

We suggest using a cable protector that covers all areas where people might walk. It should cover areas likely to be walked across, including the full width of any footway, the verge between the property and the vehicle.

  • The protector needs to be slip-resistant.
  • Needs to be brightly coloured (like yellow).
  • Have sloped sides to prevent tripping.
  • Be durable for outdoor use, such as the Edion Outdoor EV Cable Protector.

We advise checking out different cable protectors and consulting your cars manufacturer or your insurance company for advice on the best protector to use while you are charging your vehicle.

Cable Licensing

Currently we are not licensing the placement of an EV charging cable across a footway. However, as legislation may change and as our policies are reviewed this may change in the future.

Where an EV charging cable across a footway is in a location that is not suitable or safely placed, then the Council has existing powers under Section 162 of the Highways Act to seek to have the cable removed.

For any other temporary cable placement on or over the road, a license is required.

We are aware of other products that are coming to market which offer an alternative to laying a charge cable across the footway. We are not looking into these options as we are in the process of finding a partner to set up a street charging network for residents. This new network should offer a better solution for residents without needing to lay cables across footways. We will review this as the project moves forward.

Some alternatives (not currently available to residents of Southend) include:

Cable Gullies

These are trenches dug in the footway that let a cable run from a home to the street without crossing the footway. Installing a gully needs a license under Section 50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act. This license would impose terms such that would require maintenance of the gully and indemnity for the Council against any claims related to it.

Charge Arms

These are adjustable arms placed at a property's front that extend over the footway above head height, allowing charging without causing tripping hazards. Installing and using a charge arm needs prior approval from the Council.

We can decide to allow or deny permission for anything that goes over or across the highway, based on certain rules and licenses to protect the safety of the highway and its users.

If any EV charging cable management products are installed without the proper license, we can take enforcement action and possible prosecution against the person responsible for the installation and make them pay to remove it.

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