Good news if you're thinking about switching to an electric car – as of today, it's now way easier to get a charger installed. The government’s just scrapped the need for planning permission in most cases, aiming to make the EV switch smoother for drivers and businesses across the UK.
This move should really help people who rely on on-street parking or run businesses looking to set up EV charging hubs. Until now, they’ve often faced months of delays just to get the green light – but now they can crack on without the red tape.
And if you live in a city and want to fit a home charger close to the street? That’s just become much simpler too. The old rule banning chargepoints within two metres of a public road has been ditched. You’ll still need to apply for permission in some cases, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood says the government’s “cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with.”
But while this is a boost, experts say it’s only part of the puzzle. The AA’s head of road policy, Jack Cousens, warned, “The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking.”
In fact, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently revealed some companies are waiting up to 15 years just to get connected. Their boss, Mike Hawes, says fixing grid access, along with planning and energy costs, is key to making EV adoption easier for everyone.
