Residents without driveways are being offered the opportunity to participate in a trial aimed at piloting a safe method of charging their electric vehicle from home.

While cable protectors have often been used across pavements, it is recognised that these can be untidy and an obstacle for people on foot.

A potential alternative is the use of cable gullies, where the cable is set into a channel cut into the pavement. East Lothian Council is currently running trials to establish their impact and longevity. Cable arms (where the cable is routed over the top of the pavement) are another option, with the council currently exploring the potential for this.

Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:

“As more people switch to electric vehicles, they are discovering the benefits of charging from home. Not only is it much cheaper than charging in public, but they can leave the house every day with a full battery, and most people are unlikely to need to charge anywhere else, unless they are driving on the odd long journey.

For people who don’t have a driveway, or other convenient place to plug in near their house, there are a number of solutions coming forward which could allow them to enjoy these advantages too.

While the council has guidance in relation to cable covers which temporarily run across a pavement, the Highway Code is clear that people should avoid creating a trip hazard and should highlight the presence of cables, such as with the type of cable covers we recommend.

Cable gullies and cable arms offer potential solutions and I would encourage any interested residents to get in touch to see if they could participate in one of our trials.”

Any East Lothian resident who is interested in trialling cross-footway charging options should contact evcharging@eastlothian.gov.uk. Government grants are available for some costs, for some properties.

East Lothian Council will share its findings and the experiences of users and their neighbours with the UK government as they develop the Plan for Drivers: Transition to zero-emission driving. Ultimately, we hope to develop a permit system which will include a site assessment, inspection and maintenance regime.

Stewart Cooper

Service Manager – Communications

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East Lothian Council