The new rules are designed to make life easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners, and convince more to switch to electric. It could also allow households to make some extra money
Motorists who use driveways have been hit with a significant legal shake-up.
In an effort to make the switch to electric more appealing, new regulations mean that homeowners can now install electric vehicle (EV) charge points without the hassle of planning permission, in a bid to boost EV ownership.
This legislative change is poised to simplify the process for driveway owners keen on fitting their own charge point, eliminating a major hurdle in joining the electric revolution. The timing is critical as it preludes the impending 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and comes amidst efforts to sway the public about going electric.
Car pundits suggest this could be a crafty way for shrewd householders to earn a bit of extra income by leasing out their EV chargers. Andy Syrett, UK managing director at YourParkingSpace, praised the announcement: “This is welcome news.”
He elaborated on the benefits, saying, “By cutting planning red tape, the Government has made it even easier for people to install EV charge points at home and rent them out when not in use”, reports Birmingham Live.
Moreover, according to data from YourParkingSpace, households with a charge point are evidently making more money, with listings featuring an EV charger raking in 13% more income compared to those without, perhaps providing a tempting prospect for many homeowners.
Andy remarked: “When you consider that many of our driveway listings in hotspot areas – such as near football stadiums, music venues, train stations, and airports – typically earn around £1,000 a year, that extra 13% can quickly cover the cost of installing a charge point.”
He added optimistically about uptake due to simplified procedures: “With installation now simpler and planning rules relaxed, we expect more homeowners to take advantage of this easy way to boost their income.”
Meanwhile, motorists could be slapped with a £100 fine and face “legal troubles” if they neglect simple driveway rules. Drivers who don’t maintain their driveways risk damaging their vehicles and encountering further problems “down the line”.
Vehicle owners are being warned to address oil and fluid stains that can accumulate when a car is parked in one spot for extended periods. Neglecting such maintenance could result in spills, which insurers might attribute to negligence, potentially leading to rejected claims, experts caution. Insurers may also consider it a misrepresentation, impacting your insurance coverage.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “People often forget about driveway maintenance when looking after their car, but it’s usually the first place where small issues start to appear.”