The survey, launched in December following major Government commitments on tackling the UK’s “charging divide”, is collecting real-world evidence from drivers without off-street parking: a group that makes up around 40 percent of UK households.
With responses still coming in, early results already reveal that a strong majority of respondents say they currently do not have access to cross-pavement charging. This is despite most saying that cross-pavement solutions would meet their current living circumstances, whilst many report that such solutions are simply not permitted or available through their local council, even where demand is high.
These interim findings reinforce the scale of the challenge facing drivers without driveways, who are far more likely to rely on expensive public charging and therefore face higher running costs than those able to charge at home.
The survey was launched after significant progress in Parliament on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which delivered two major Government commitments: a formal consultation on extending permitted development rights for cross-pavement charging, and a commitment for Ministers to write to all local authorities urging them to support the installation of these solutions. Alongside the new £25 million cross-pavement charging fund, these changes create a unique opportunity to close the charging divide, but only if policy reflects the lived reality of drivers on the ground.
“The charging divide between those who have driveways and those who do not is stark and the early results of this survey could not be clearer” said Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England. “Most drivers without driveways still can't access cross-pavement charging even when they overwhelmingly tell us they believe it would work for their homes and their lives. What’s stopping them is not practicality, but policy: local rules, delays and outright refusal by some councils. This survey is a chance for drivers to put that evidence directly in front of Government while decisions on how to make sure all drivers can access affordable charging are being made.”
The survey is open to all drivers with or without off-street parking, residents who rely on public charging, and anyone who has installed - or tried to install - a cross-pavement solution. Responses will inform EVA England’s ongoing work with Government, local authorities and industry to ensure fair access to affordable home charging for all drivers.
The survey closes at midnight on Sunday. It takes less than five minutes to complete.
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