Electric vehicle pavement channel trial

If you do not have a driveway, you may be able to install an electric vehicle (EV) pavement channel outside your home as part of our trial funded by the Department for Transport.

This allows you to safely run a charging cable between your home charge point and your EV when it is parked on the road outside your property.

As part of this trial, only the Kerbo Charge pavement channel can be installed.

How pavement channels work

A pavement channel is installed in the pavement outside your home by an approved contractor.

To charge your EV, you place the charging cable into the channel. The lid closes automatically as the cable is inserted, helping to keep the pavement clear and safe for other users.

When charging is complete, you remove the cable and the channel closes automatically. You can then store your charger safely at your property.

This short video shows the process of inserting and removing the charging cable from the channel.

Who can apply

You may be eligible if you:

  • live at the property and normally park on the road outside your home
  • own, lease, or have ordered an EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that will be delivered within 6 months
  • do not have off-street parking such as a driveway or garage
  • have a pavement outside your property
  • can access a ground-floor electricity supply or EV charge point

We do not supply, fund or install home EV charge points. More information is available in the home charge points section below.

We can only install pavement channels on public roads maintained by the council.

Costs

You will need to pay a non-refundable £250 application fee.

This covers the cost of processing your application and carrying out a site assessment. Read the additional assessments section below for further information about other potential costs.

If your application is successful, you will not need to pay any further installation costs.

Further information

Expand the sections below for further information on the following topics:

Locations not included in the trial


The following locations are not included in the trial:

  • conservation areas
  • scheduled monuments
  • flats
  • private land
  • properties with off-street parking or a separate garage block (some Radburn properties may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • properties with a dropped kerb outside
  • locations where the channel would need to cross a drainage channel

Additional assessments

Some locations may require further investigation before a decision can be made. This could increase application costs or result in the application being refused.

This may apply if the channel would:

  • be longer than 3 metres
  • cross a grass verge
  • pass through concrete road construction, paving slabs or block paving
  • affect tree root protection areas
  • be installed near utility covers
  • be within 2.5 metres of electrical equipment or another charger with a different earth connection 
  • serve a Radburn property

Home charge points

We do not supply, fund or install home EV charge points. You are responsible for arranging installation by a qualified electrician or approved charge point installer.

You may be able to get help with installation costs through the government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking.

Planning requirements

EV charge points intended for on-street use currently require planning permission, whereas EV pavement channels do not.

For the duration of this trial we do not intend to take enforcement action for the installation of EV charge points intended for on-street use as long as the below criteria is met: 

  • you can legally park on the road outside your property
  • the electricity supply is on the ground floor
  • charging cables are only used with an approved pavement channel
  • the electrical outlet and housing do not project more than 100mm into the highway
  • tenants have written permission from their landlord
  • the installation meets permitted development requirements
  • the charger has a power output of no more than 11kW
  • charging cables are removed when not in use

We will keep this approach under review and update this page if national legislation or local planning policy changes.

Using your pavement channel

Having a pavement channel does not give you a reserved parking space. You must not place signs or attempt to keep the space outside your property free for your own use.

You must:

  • park on the same side of the road as your property when charging
  • follow any parking restrictions that apply
  • make sure your vehicle does not obstruct the pavement
  • use the channel safely and only for charging your vehicle

The channel remains part of the public highway and is owned by South Gloucestershire Council.

Maintenance and repairs

You are responsible for keeping the channel clear of leaves, dirt and other debris, and for making sure your charging cable is used correctly.

South Gloucestershire Council owns the channel and is responsible for repairs.

Repairs will be carried out by Kerbo Charge.

How to apply

You can apply online using the Kerbo Charge application portal. 

Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm that you understand the costs, responsibilities and safety requirements of using a pavement channel.

After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link that lets you check the progress of your application.

Apply for the EV pavement channel trial

What happens next

Kerbo Charge will review your application and assess whether your property is suitable for a pavement channel. This includes considering site constraints and electrical safety requirements. Additional information or photos may be requested if needed.

If your application can proceed, Kerbo Charge will send you a proposed channel location. 

We will then assess the proposal and decide whether it can be approved. If your application is refused, you will be told the reason.

If your application is approved, you will be asked to sign a user agreement, and terms and conditions.

Kerbo Charge will arrange the installation and let you know the installation date.

After installation, you will need to provide any required electrical safety documentation for your EV charging equipment. 

Further information

More information and contact details can be found on the Kerbo Charge website.

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