Using EV charging cables
We do not provide authorisation for the trailing of cables across footways or footpaths as this can cause an obstruction.
If you chose to run a cable across a footway or footpath, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is done safely and that you consider the relevant legislation. You don’t have priority access over the space in front of your property. If you are intending to charge your EV in this way, you will need to consider the following.
Any liability arising from trailing of the cable and protector is your responsibility. It is strongly suggested that you contact your home insurer to confirm that any existing policy covers trailing cables to your car across a footway or footpath. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance.
Do not trail the cable over the carriageway, and ensure your vehicle is on the same side of the road as the charging unit. Existing parking restrictions and traffic orders should be adhered to.
Deploy a fit for purpose cable protector, robust enough to take the weight of any cross-over movements, which can easily be differentiated from the footway, for example, inclusive of yellow strips.
These can still cause a tripping hazard and can cause obstructions. It is strongly suggested that you check with the cable protector manufacturers that the protector is fit for purpose.
Ensure your vehicle charging cable is long enough to safely reach your vehicle. Longer cables can be more difficult to manoeuvre. Consider running any slack along the kerb line. The recommended maximum distance from a point outside the property is 10 metres (approximately 2 car lengths).
Remove the cable once charging is complete.
Ordinarily, you do not have ownership or priority to the parking space outside of your home as this is adopted highway. However, there could be exceptions to this, for example, if the space is a designated disabled parking bay.
Using an EV charging cable in a location that is not suitable
We can act upon and remove cables that we believe are inappropriately used under Section 162 of the Highways Act. You can report obstructions using our online report it system.