The Royal Borough of Greenwich is set to take the next step in delivering its Cross-Pavement Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Trial, helping residents without driveways access safer and cheaper home charging.
Subject to cabinet approval, the trial will allow up to 75 households across the borough to install a cross-pavement charging channel, enabling charging cables to be safely routed beneath or through specially designed channels in the footway between a resident's home charger and their vehicle parked on the street.
Cross-pavement charging channels help remove the need for residents to trail charging cables across pavements, reducing potential hazards for pedestrians while making home charging possible for households that rely on on-street parking.
The move follows strong interest from residents. More than 160 residents applied to take part in the scheme following an engagement exercise launched in late 2025. Originally designed for 50 households, due to demand the trial has now been expanded to 75 households.
The trial is being supported through funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Up to £1,200 of grant funding can be used towards the installation cost of a cross pavement charging solution.
Research shows that while most EV owners prefer the convenience and lower cost of charging at home, many London households do not have access to off-street parking. Home charging can be around seven times cheaper than using public charging networks, making access to affordable charging an important consideration for residents looking to switch to electric vehicles.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne-Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, said:
"We know that many residents want to switch to electric vehicles but face barriers because they do not have a driveway or access to off-street parking.
"This trial will help us understand how cross-pavement charging solutions can be delivered safely and effectively, making it easier for residents to benefit from the convenience and lower cost of charging at home, while ensuring pavements are kept clear for pedestrians.
"The strong response from residents shows there is real demand for this type of infrastructure. This is about getting things done to make life easier and more affordable for residents, while supporting cleaner, greener travel across the borough. We look forward to working with participants throughout the trial."
As part of the next phase of the project, applicants with locations deemed feasible will be contacted and invited to complete the necessary licence agreements and checks relating to electrical safety and planning requirements before installation can begin.
The trial will help the council assess the safety, accessibility and effectiveness of cross-pavement charging solutions over a 12-month period. Only residents participating in the trial and operating under a council-issued licence agreement will be permitted to use a council-approved cross-pavement charging channel. The trial has been developed in response to concerns about residents trailing charging cables across footways, which can create hazards and obstructions for pedestrians. Residents are reminded that charging cables should not be placed across public footways unless a council-approved cross-pavement charging solution has been installed and licensed. Any instances of cables being unlawfully trailed across pavements should be reported to: ev@royalgreenwich.gov.uk