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The rollout of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging in the UK is facing significant hurdles, with over 20 local councils rejecting proposals for charging gullies. These gullies are designed to allow charging cables to cross pavements, making it easier for drivers without off-street parking to charge their vehicles.
Despite government assurances aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers, many councils cite safety, legal, and parking concerns as reasons for their objections. This situation creates a postcode lottery, where access to essential charging infrastructure varies widely across the country.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has highlighted the potential cost-saving benefits of using charger gullies, yet millions of households may remain unable to take advantage of this technology due to local council decisions. The ongoing resistance from these authorities raises questions about the UK's commitment to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, especially as the government aims to promote greener transport solutions.
As local councils continue to grapple with these issues, the disparity in EV charging access could hinder the broader adoption of electric vehicles across the UK.
Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/30/on-street-ev-charging-uk-postcode-lottery-council-objections-gullies-safety-legal-parking