Electric Vehicle Chargers at Private Properties

Installation of Electric Vehicle Chargers at Private Properties

Electric vehicles can be charged at home in situations where properties have access to off-street parking.  Charging infrastructure is being provided for in new developments via planning policy.  For existing housing, the occupiers of the property can consider the following:

·       Installation of a charging point on their driveway/privately owned land.

·       Joint installation on private car parks related to flatted properties - this will likely require discussion and agreement with all combined owners (normally through a central factor)

Private On-street Charging

You cannot run a temporary or permanent cable over a public road or pavement, even with a cable cover, channel or overhead apparatus. This is because footways must be clear for the passage of pedestrians and people using wheelchairs or other aids.  Any type of cable could cause an unnecessary hazard for people with impaired vision or mobility issues and the owner would be held liable for any injury caused by these types of obstructions on or above footways.

Under Section 109 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Sections 56 and 90 of the Roads (Scotland) Act it is not permitted to place apparatus, including a cable or wire in, over, along or across a public road (which includes the footway) without the consent of the roads authority.

Not all homeowners will be able to install a charger on their property and will need to access charging locations away from their home. Therefore, purchasers of EVs who do not have access to off-street parking should base any decision to purchase an EV on availability and proximity to publicly and privately available charging locations.

There are a number of electric vehicle charge points located throughout West Lothian provided by both the Council and private sector operators in a range of locations. Further information can be found on the West Lothian Council website or zap-map.co