Government to relax rules around EV charge points
The UK government is planning to make it easier to install EV charge points by removing the need to secure planning permission first.
Delays in processing planning applications for new EV charge points can last from six to nine months and this is slowing EV adoption, particularly among businesses.
The new relaxed rules will apply to both businesses and private installations and support the target of reaching 300,000 chargers by 2030.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, 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 charge points 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 £2.3bn 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.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “With a target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, government should be doing all it can to help reach this milestone. Removing the planning rules is a positive step and will help accelerate installations.
“The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking.”
Figures from Zap-Map revealed there were more than 79,000 publicly accessible charge points in the UK at the end of April. This is up from 73,000 at the same point in 2024 and 54,000 in 2023.
