EV charging cables across the pavement: the rules from 21 October 2026

If you don't have a driveway, can you run a charging cable across the pavement? From 21 October 2026, new planning rules in England make it easier, but the highway authority still has to authorise the cable channel. It isn't a dropped kerb, and it doesn't let you drive across the pavement.

What changes on 21 October 2026

• New permitted development for cable channels. A new Class F in Part 9 of the GPDO allows the installation, alteration or replacement of a "cross-pavement solution" by, on behalf of, or with the authorisation of, a highway authority. A cross-pavement solution is defined as a pavement-embedded cable channel that lets an EV charging cable safely cross a footway from a home to a parked vehicle.
• Exclusions. The new right doesn't apply within a scheduled monument, within the curtilage of a listed building, or in a conservation area.
• Reinstatement. When the channel is no longer needed, it must be removed and the pavement reinstated as soon as reasonably practicable.
• Wall chargers without a driveway. Permitted development for a wall-mounted charger is extended from off-street parking areas to anywhere within the curtilage of a house or block of flats. Every wall charger under this right must be no more than 1.6 m above ground. For chargers outside an off-street parking area, there's a limit of 1 outlet and the right doesn't apply in a conservation area. If the wall is right next to the highway, it can't stick out more than 0.2 m and must leave at least 1.5 m of footway.
• The cable must use a channel. Where there's a footway between the charger and the car, the cable must cross it through an authorised cross-pavement solution while charging.

What it doesn't change

• You still need the highway authority. The planning right only applies to channels installed by the highway authority or with its authorisation. Ask your council whether, and how, it authorises them.
• It's not a vehicle crossing. You still need a dropped kerb to drive onto your property. See how to apply.
• England only. The GPDO being amended is the England order. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

Dropped kerb or cable channel?

If you have room to park on your own property (most councils want 4.8 to 5 m of depth), a dropped kerb plus a driveway charger is usually the option councils already have processes for. If you don't have the depth, a cable channel to on-street parking may be the route, once your council offers it. Check whether a dropped kerb is likely.