New car rule affecting every driveway in the UK

A new rule affecting every driveway in the UK was introduced earlier this summer with red-tape rules cut for millions. The new law makes it easier than ever for motorists to install electric car charging points in a boost for those with EVs.

Under the changes, drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application if they want to install public or private plugs. According to a Government press release, the changes mean that EV owners in the UK will find it easier to install a private chargepoint, unlocking savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car. Officials stressed that businesses will be able to install new charging bays a lot faster, increasing the number of public plugs available to road users.

The announcement was made just three months ago at the end of May, meaning many motorists are likely to be unaware of the major change. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer and MD of Smart Charge, backed the move.

He said: “Everyone at Smart Charge knows how important it is to make EV charging simple, reliable and accessible – both to make transport cleaner and to ensure we’re meeting the everyday needs of drivers throughout the UK.

“We welcome this new streamlined approach to installing charge points, which will help accelerate the nation’s adoption of EVs.”

According to motoring experts at Dick Lovett, motorists can actually boost the value of their property by installing an electric car charging plug.

According to experts, installing the device can make a house more desirable for existing EV owners and could push the resale price well above the installation costs. Charging at home is hugely beneficial for owners, with rates as low as 6p per kWh compared to up to 52p per kWh at a public bay.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood previously said: “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.

“We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change.”