Charging at home
Always refer to your EV’s instructions for use of cables, including extensions. Ask a qualified electrician before charging your car, if you need help.
Charging on the street outside your home
If you have to park your EV on the street to charge it, it must be done safely.
Refer to your EV’s handbook. If you need an extension lead, it must be suitable for external use. Refer to any instructions for extension use.
Ensure your cable:
- does not cause a danger, risk or nuisance to the public
- lies flat and along the ground
- never hangs from or over street furniture, streetlamps, trees, walls or hedges
- has a protector
- is not left out when your EV has finished charging
You do not need a licence for an EV charging cable. This might change when we review and update policies. You need a licence for all other temporary cables placed on or over a highway.
Trailing your cable across a footpath
Always think about public safety before you run a cable from your home to your EV. Charging cables can only cross footpaths if they're in a proper cable protector.
Existing legislation might be an issue. Check what's allowed in your area. And check your home insurance policy covers issues that might arise from charging an EV.
Remember, you're responsible for the cable and any cable protectors. You must not block the footpath or anyone’s access. Do not put anyone at risk.
Using a cable protector
Use a well-marked cable mat to protect footpath users from a cable crossing it.
The only safe way to run a cable from your property to your EV is to use a suitable cable protector. These are often used in public spaces to cover cables or wires.
Your cable protector should:
- cover the full width of the footpath and any grass the cable crosses from the property to the vehicle
- be non-slip and suitable for outdoor use
- be as flat as possible to the pavement and no higher than 23mm
- have contrasting colour markings to make it easy to see
- have sloped, anti-trip sides
- be well-made and a robust design
Do not leave the cable protector out when your EV has finished charging.
You're responsible for using it safely. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Parking your vehicle to charge on the street
When parking your vehicle to charge on the street:
- park on the same side of the road as the charger
- do not put a cable across a road
- stay within the maximum recommended distance to run a cable of 10 metres
- check for any parking restrictions
- try to park on the road as close as you can to the charger. Ideally, with the charger facing your EV. If you cannot park immediately outside, run the cable along the lower edge of the kerb.
Using an EV charging cable in an unsuitable location
Section 162 of the Highways Act allows us to seek removal of cables used in unsuitable locations. We will act if cables are used inappropriately or causing an obstruction.