The UK government will ease regulations around electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by removing the need for planning permission for most public and private chargepoint installations, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood announced.
The changes, effective from the end of May, aim to simplify and accelerate EV charger deployment across homes and businesses. The move is part of broader efforts to boost electric mobility and cut costs for drivers.
“We’re 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,” Greenwood said. She added that the government has committed over £2.3 billion to support EV drivers and domestic carmakers through trade deals and industrial investment.
The policy change is expected to benefit individual homeowners with driveways, making it quicker and cheaper to install private chargepoints. The government estimates that switching to an EV can save drivers up to £1,100 annually compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.
Industry leaders welcomed the reform. “Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need,” said Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network. “It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen.”
The announcement follows the installation of approximately 18,000 sockets in workplace car parks last year with government support. Current UK subsidies provide up to £350 towards the cost of home chargers for flat owners, renters, and those with on-street parking.
Source: gov.uk