Efforts to meet ambitious electric vehicle adoption targets are putting renewed focus on how cities can expand charging access for residents without private driveways, as governments seek to reach a goal of 30% electric car ownership by 2030.
The lack of home charging options in densely populated areas has become one of the biggest barriers to wider EV uptake. Officials are increasingly concerned about the safety risks associated with residents trailing charging cables across public pavements, raising issues around trip hazards and legal liability.
In response, some local authorities are trialling cross-footway charging systems designed to make home charging safer and more practical for urban households.
In the London borough of Bromley, a pilot scheme has introduced shallow channels embedded into pavements outside participating homes. Charging cables are placed within these grooves and covered with protective material when in use, allowing residents to connect their vehicles parked on the street without obstructing pedestrian pathways. The cable is removed and the channel sealed when not in use.
John Trendler, a resident of a terraced house in Bromley, had the system installed two years ago and says it has significantly reduced his costs compared with public charging points.
“It’s been an absolute saving in terms of cost and flexibility,” he said. “Public chargers are getting on for 90p a kilowatt, whereas at home it’s about 7p overnight.”
Trendler added that neighbours have shown interest in the system, particularly those facing similar difficulties in charging electric vehicles without driveways.
Bromley Council says around 50 installations have been completed, with residents paying approximately £1,000 for the modification. Councillor Simon Fawthrop, who oversees transport and the environment, said the scheme was designed both to support EV adoption and improve pedestrian safety.
“It helps people access electric vehicles even if they live in terraced housing,” he said. “At the same time, it ensures streets are not cluttered with cables, making it safer for visually impaired people and those with pushchairs.”
However, a wider review of similar schemes across London has highlighted challenges. The report found a lack of national standards governing design, installation and maintenance, making it difficult for councils to apply consistent rules. It also raised concerns about electrical safety, planning considerations and the impact on street infrastructure.
Urban suitability was also questioned, with warnings that high-traffic areas may not be appropriate and that installations could lead to disputes over parking.
Similar concerns are being felt elsewhere. In Dundalk, Co Louth, resident Tom Muckian says he is considering switching to a plug-in vehicle but is uncertain how he would manage charging on a narrow terraced street.
Authorities in Ireland say they are aware of the issue, with the Department of Transport confirming that cross-departmental work is under way and a national framework is expected later this year. A number of pilot public charging projects are also currently in operation.
