The new rule is set to benefit the large number of motorists who do not have a private driveway at home
Motorists without a driveway could be in for a financial windfall – saving up to £1,500 annually – due to new measures announced by the Labour government. A fresh £25million initiative for councils aims to widen the availability of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging points, providing a significant lift for those lacking private parking.
Innovative cross-pavement technology is set to enable EV cables to be discreetly channelled beneath footpaths. This will facilitate residents in connecting their home electricity supply directly to their parked EVs, allowing them to take advantage of lower energy tariffs.
READ MORE: Savvy shoppers save £100 on permanent hair removal gadget plus an extra 20% off
The update promises to slash the cost of charging an electric car to as little as 2p per mile, a substantial benefit. Presently, only homeowners with driveways can tap into the economical household electricity prices, leaving flat and apartment dwellers facing steeper costs.
Labour has heralded this development as a potential catalyst for the UK’s shift towards electric vehicles, projecting savings of up to £1,500 per year for drivers compared to the expense of petrol or diesel cars.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that the difficulty of charging electric cars remains a significant hurdle to their wider adoption, with the latest policy designed to mitigate such issues, reports the Express.
She said: “We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head-on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric.”
Additionally, Labour has committed to a comprehensive overhaul of the signage associated with EV charging spots along key roadways.
The latest update will introduce signage for larger EV charging hubs along major A-roads, a move set to boost visibility for drivers who may be unaware of these facilities.
In tandem with this, the government is rolling out a substantial grant scheme aimed at assisting businesses in setting up charging stations at depots for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), vans, and coaches.
Labour has touted the UK as an emerging frontrunner in electric vehicle technology, now boasting the title of Europe’s largest EV market.
Furthermore, the UK has ascended to become the world’s third-largest hub for electric vehicles, with sales reaching over 382,000 to drivers by 2024.
AA President Edmund King said: “There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.”
He added: “It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution.”