EV charger gullies face resistance from over 20 UK councils
The Story
Energy secretary Ed Miliband stated that charger gullies will help cut EV charging costs for drivers, but millions of UK households may be unable to use the technology because some local councils will not allow cables to cross pavements. More than 20 local authorities appear to be holding out against gullies, including councils for Kent, Leicester, Worcestershire, and London boroughs Westminster and Hackney. London has the highest number of electric cars and households without off-street parking. Gully makers argue their products eliminate trip hazards, but councils cited concerns over safety, parking, aesthetics, maintenance liability, and accessibility. The government removed the need for planning permission for gullies, but installers still require street works licences controlled by councils. Kerbo Charge co-founder Michael Goulden said the company works with 48 councils that allow or trial gullies, but each has a different process. Adam Dolphin of Gul-e said the processes vary but are not an intentional barrier.
Key Facts
- Energy secretary Ed Miliband said charger gullies would help cut costs for drivers.
- More than 20 local authorities appear to be holding out against gullies, including Kent, Leicester, Worcestershire, Westminster, and Hackney.
- 9.3 million households in the UK do not have access to off-street parking, according to consultancy Field Dynamics.
- Charging via a domestic supply has a 5% VAT rate compared to 20% on public chargers.
- Councils raised concerns about safety, parking, aesthetics, maintenance liability, and accessibility.
- Gully makers include Kerbo Charge, Gul-e, Pavecross, and ACO.
- The government removed the need for planning permission but street works licences are still required by councils.
- Michael Goulden said Kerbo Charge works with 48 local authorities that allow or trial gullies.
- Almost a fifth of 83 local authorities counted by the government did not apply for or take full allocation of cross-pavement funding.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
What specific changes the government’s removal of planning permission will bring for residents in councils that currently oppose gullies.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Ed Miliband, energy secretary
- Michael Goulden, co-founder of Kerbo Charge
- Adam Dolphin, director of Gul-e
Sources: The Guardian
