As the capital accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), a new challenge has emerged: how to safely charge EVs for the majority of Londoners who lack off-street parking.
With home charging seen as the most cost-effective and convenient option, trailing cables across pavements have become a growing safety hazard.
To address this, London Councils has released new guidance supporting boroughs in implementing cross-pavement EV charging solutions—a practical and safer way for residents without driveways to charge their vehicles at home.
Key stats:
193,000 EVs are already on London’s roads, with 1.4 million projected by 2030.
90% of EV drivers prefer home charging for its affordability and ease.
61% of Londoners do not have access to off-street parking.
Rising use of charging cables across pavements is creating trip hazards and access issues, especially for older people and those with disabilities.
The solution: cross-pavement charging
These solutions involve either surface-mounted channels (‘gullies’) or under-pavement cable systems that allow safe transfer of power from a home charge point to a street-parked EV. They can typically be installed in 1.5 to 3 hours, with costs ranging between £1,000–£1,500, and are designed to blend in with existing pavement materials to maintain pedestrian safety.
Backed by government funding
The guidance follows a recent £25 million government investment aimed at expanding such infrastructure through local authorities across the UK.
Boroughs Leading the Way:
Enfield Council partnered with Kerbo Charge to trial cross-pavement channels in 2024. The scheme is now borough-wide and supports Enfield’s target of carbon neutrality by 2040.
Bromley Council uses the Gul-e system, allowing residents to install flush-mounted gullies for safe, affordable home EV charging.
Leadership Commentary:
Mayor Brenda Dacres, Executive Member for Transport and Environment at London Councils, said:
“We’re serious about tackling air pollution and cutting carbon emissions in London. Cross-pavement charging is a simple but powerful innovation that helps open up affordable EV charging for more residents—while making our pavements safer for everyone.”
She added that the guidance will help boroughs roll out these systems safely, fairly, and effectively, removing a key barrier to EV adoption.
Looking ahead
London Councils emphasizes that decisions on cross-pavement charging installations should remain with local authorities, who are best placed to weigh local needs and potential challenges. While some boroughs remain cautious due to safety and policy concerns, others are actively exploring and trialling new approaches.
Alongside this, boroughs continue to:
Expand public EV charging infrastructure,
Push for policy reforms such as VAT equalisation between public and home charging,
Invest in strategies to make EV access more inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Photo by Visitor7, Wikimedia commons.
