Rule change affects every driveway in England – now in force | Personal Finance | Finance

In a move designed to speed up the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, the Department for Transport has scrapped the need for planning permission for their installation at various sites across England.

The regulatory change covers private residential driveways, workplaces and public streets and came into force this time last year. The objective was to remove the administrative obstacles that had been impeding the expansion of chargepoints, with reports indicating that securing planning permission from local authorities for public installations could take as long as nine months.

Improving public charging infrastructure is considered vital in persuading more motorists, especially those without off-road parking facilities, to make the switch to electric vehicles. A report released by the National Audit Office in December 2024 revealed that the rollout of public EV chargers is progressing towards meeting the Department for Transport’s estimated minimum target of 300,000 by 2030. The Government has pledged to prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

Lilian Greenwood, who was Minister for the Future of Roads at the time the change was announced, said: “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.

“We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals, creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future.”

Lewis Gardiner, operations director at Osprey Charging Network, praised the announcement when it was confirmed as “a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground”.

He went on to say: “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.”

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, stressed last year that the Government must do “all it can” to increase the number of EV chargers, noting that easing planning regulations “will help accelerate installations”.

He added: “The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking.”

RAC’s senior policy officer Rod Dennis welcomed the announcement, stating that encouraging more motorists to opt for an EV as their next vehicle depends on “removing the obstacles some people face”.

However, he warned that the “relatively high cost of public charging… still needs to be tackled”.