Pavement Gully Rules Cut EV Charging Costs for Drivers 2026

New pavement gully rules could slash EV charging costs by up to 90% for drivers without off-street parking, but many still face roadblocks. From Wednesday, drivers in England who lack a driveway will no longer need planning permission to install a cross-pavement gully outside their home.

These narrow channels sit flush with the pavement, allowing a charging cable to reach a parked car without creating a trip hazard. By plugging into their home energy supply instead of a public charger, drivers can dramatically reduce what they pay to top up.

But the change leaves millions frustrated: more than 20 local authorities will still refuse gully installations, citing cost and safety concerns. For drivers like Alison Williams, the law change brings little relief.

What the New Pavement Gully Rules Mean for EV Drivers

The law change removes a significant bureaucratic hurdle. Previously, homeowners needed planning permission to dig up the pavement—a process that could take weeks and cost hundreds of pounds. Now, in most of England, that step is gone.

Gullies are designed to be safe and unobtrusive. They sit flush within the pavement, so pedestrians, wheelchair users, and parents with prams aren't forced into the road. The cable runs through the channel, keeping it off the walkway.

For EV drivers with no off-street parking, this is a game-changer. Home charging is far cheaper than public rapid charging, often costing just a few pounds for a full battery. One driver quoted in the source said she could charge her car for £6 at home—compared with far higher public rates.

Why Some Councils Still Block Pavement Gullies

Despite the law change, more than 20 local authorities—including Ealing—will not permit gullies. They argue that the channels are expensive to install and maintain, and that they could pose safety risks if not properly looked after.

Ealing council, for instance, does not allow them for cost and safety reasons. That leaves residents like Alison Williams, who bought an electric Volkswagen ID.3 two years ago, unable to charge at home. She already upgraded her home with insulation and solar panels, but without a gully, she must rely on public chargers.

“It’s really frustrating,” Williams says. “When we decided to buy an electric car, we thought we were doing the right thing for the environment. But charging it has proved more costly than we hoped.”

The Cost Gap: Home vs Public Charging

The difference in cost is stark. Home charging typically uses domestic electricity rates, which can be as low as 7-10p per kWh on off-peak tariffs. Public rapid chargers, by contrast, often cost 50-70p per kWh or more.

For a typical EV with a 60 kWh battery, a full charge at home might cost £6 or less. The same charge at a public rapid charger could exceed £30. Over a year, that adds up to hundreds of pounds in savings.

That's why the pavement gully is seen as a key enabler for EV adoption among the 9.3 million households without off-street parking. Without it, many drivers face a choice between expensive public charging or not going electric at all.

Who Is Affected by the Change?

The new rules apply to England only, and only where local councils permit gullies. Drivers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not covered. Even within England, the patchwork of council policies means some drivers benefit while others don't.

Homeowners and renters with a legal right to park outside their property are the primary beneficiaries. But those in flats or with shared access may still struggle. The government has not announced a fund to help councils cover installation costs, which could slow uptake.

For now, drivers should check with their local authority before assuming they can install a gully. Some councils may offer their own approval processes, even without planning permission.

What to Watch Next

The government says it will monitor the rollout and may consider further measures to standardise gully rules across councils. Industry groups are calling for a national approach to avoid a postcode lottery.

Meanwhile, EV drivers in blocked areas may look to other solutions, such as community charging hubs or innovative cable channels that don't require pavement modification. But for many, the pavement gully remains the most practical option.

As the UK pushes toward its net-zero targets, the cost of charging will remain a key concern. The new rules are a step forward, but without broader council support, their impact may be limited.

FAQ

The frustration for drivers like Williams is palpable. She charges her car at public chargers, paying far more than if she could plug in at home. “It’s really frustrating,” she says. “We thought we were doing the right thing for the environment, but it’s costing us more.”

For those considering an EV, the secondhand market offers affordable options, as highlighted in our report on secondhand EV leasing doubling as UK drivers cut costs. But charging costs remain a major factor, and with oil prices near $100 and UK drivers facing rising petrol costs, the shift to electric is more appealing than ever.

Yet the gap between home and public charging is a hurdle. As we noted in our analysis of secondhand EV leasing surging 170% as UK drivers cut costs, affordability is key. Without home charging, many drivers may find the savings evaporate. That's why the pavement gully rules matter.

Meanwhile, other costs are piling up for drivers. UK van drivers face an extra £2.5bn in diesel costs this year, and parking apps cost drivers up to 40% more in hidden fees. Every saving helps, and home EV charging is one of the biggest.

For now, drivers should check their council's policy and consider their options. The new rules are a step forward, but without wider support, many will still be left paying more than they need to.