Important new rule affecting every driveway in the UK - some drivers to benefit hugely

New rules affecting every driveway in the UK were introduced earlier this year, with one set of road users set to take full advantage of the regulations. Back in May, Labour confirmed the introduction of a new streamlined process to install public and private electric car charging stations.

Under the updates, electric car owners will no longer need to submit planning applications to install public or private EV plugs in a major boost for owners. The move is understood to allow EV owners an “easier, quicker and cheaper” way to fit plugs on their driveways. As well as changes to driveway rules, the policy will also apply to workplace and public chargepoints, increasing the number of charging plugs across the UK.

Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director, Osprey Charging Network stressed the move could save "months of delays” and cut total bills.

Lewis said: “This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground. Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need.

“It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen.” However, installing an electric car charging device at home is likely to set road users back with systems at a hefty price tag.

Motorists should expect to pay anywhere between £500 and £1,000 for installing a standard 7kW home fast charger on their drive. However, experts at Carwow stressed road users who took the leap would likely see immediate savings.

They claimed charging a 50kWh battery from empty would cost road users around £32.50 at a public charger. In comparison, road users would spend around £4.75 topping up the same battery at a home charger.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, claimed that Labour’s plan will continue to make switching to electric vehicles “easier”.

Lillian explained: “We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with.”