UK Homes Without Driveways Get Update on Pavement Rule Change
A government minister has given updates on plans to change pavement rules. This will make it easier for people without driveways to charge their electric cars.
Some changes have already started, with a grant increase from April 1, 2026. The government is also reviewing planning rules to help people who want to switch to electric vehicles but do not have a driveway.
A grant to help people install electric car chargers at home was increased to £500 on April 1. This grant will cover about half the cost of installing a charger.
The £500 grant is available to people who own flats, rent homes, or are landlords. The government is also taking steps to allow 'cross-pavement' charging solutions for people who only have on-street parking.
The idea is to make charging electric cars easier for people without driveways.
Many questions have been asked in parliament about this issue recently.
An MP asked how many people have successfully received funding for electric vehicle charging points and the total value of the funding awarded.
The minister replied that as of January 1, 2026, the grant has funded 39 charging points with a total value of £13,531. The grant helps people install charging points at homes with on-street parking.
The government has consulted on reducing planning permission requirements for cross-pavement solutions and will respond soon.
More questions were answered earlier this month.
An MP asked what steps the government is taking to improve access to at-home electric vehicle charging.
The minister said the government is offering grant funding for people living in flats and rented homes.
Another MP asked about plans to expand permitted development rights to include pavement gullies for at-home electric vehicle charging.
The minister answered that the government ran a consultation and will publish its response soon.
The government is working to make electric vehicles more accessible to everyone.
The updates on pavement rule changes will help people who want to buy electric vehicles but do not have driveways.