Home and On-street charging via a cross pavement channel
Charging an electric vehicle on the public highway by trailing a cable across the pavement is not permitted
Cables laid across the footway or suspended overhead create a significant safety risk for pedestrians, including people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and people with visual impairments.
Under the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to place wires, cables or other apparatus across a highway where they may endanger the public. Residents may also be personally liable if someone trips and is injured as a result.
Current position in Somerset
At present, Somerset Council does not allow the installation of cross pavement cable channels for home electric vehicle charging. This reflects current safety, accessibility and liability considerations associated with the public highway.
However, following consideration by Scrutiny Committee in June 2026, the Council will be progressing a time limited, controlled pilot to test a supplier led approach to cross pavement channel installations.
This pilot will help the Council understand whether this type of solution can be delivered safely and effectively before any future policy decisions are made.
Work under development
The Council has established a Cross Pavement Solution Task and Finish Group to support the development of a pilot approach.
We are currently progressing the design of this pilot, including procurement of a supplier, development of application processes, and agreement of approval criteria.
The pilot is expected to launch in early 2027, subject to completion of procurement and legal arrangements.
It is important to note:
- The application process is not yet open
- Not all properties or locations will be suitable
- Installation will be subject to assessment and approval
- The pilot does not guarantee access to a cross pavement channel
- Existing parking arrangements and restrictions will still apply, and a cross pavement channel does not guarantee access to parking outside a property
Alternative public charging options
We secured funding through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, which will support the delivery of additional public charging facilities across the county.
Residents can suggest locations they believe would benefit from EV charging infrastructure via the Council’s online service: Suggest a chargepoint location.
In the meantime, some residents may wish to explore community charging schemes, where private home chargers are shared through platforms such as Co Charger.