London Councils has published new guidance to support boroughs’ roll out of cross-pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.
The news comes after the UK Department for Transport (DfT) announced £63m to expand EV charging options, of which £25m was designated for expanding home charging options.
London is currently home to approximately 193,000 plug-in cars and vans, with that number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2030.
Approximately 90% of EV users prefer the cost savings and convenience of home charging, 61% of Londoners do not have access to off-street parking— according to data from Zap Map.
The report outlined that several London boroughs are already leading the way in installing EV charging:
- Enfield Council successfully trialled a cross-pavement charging channel in 2024. Now available borough-wide, it allows residents to charge using cheaper home energy tariffs and supports Enfield’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
- Bromley Council has rolled out a similar scheme. Eligible residents can install a flush-mounted gully outside their homes, enabling safer, more affordable EV charging.
The guidance report lists a variety of cross-footway charging solutions including housing it in an open or enclosed channel, those with a submerged cable underneath the footway, and other solutions not as widely tested or approved by local authorities.
London Councils’ executive member for transport and environment, Brenda Dacres, said: “We’re serious about tackling air pollution and cutting carbon emissions in London.
“That’s why it’s crucial to make switching to electric vehicles an option for more Londoners – especially those without driveways.
“Cross-pavement charging is a simple but powerful innovation that can help open up affordable home charging to thousands of residents.
“Just as importantly, it helps reduce trip hazards caused by loose charging cables, keeping our pavements safe and accessible for all.
“By supporting boroughs to roll out these solutions safely and fairly, we’re removing one more barrier to cleaner transport and making real progress toward a greener, healthier capital.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!+
