Electric vehicle charging guidance for residents
Hampshire County Council recognises the significant benefits of Electric Vehicles (EV), particularly in relation to air quality and public health, and that usage of electric vehicles by residents is increasing.
This guidance has been produced to aid residents for whom off street parking is not available but wish to charge their vehicle.
Most electric vehicles come with a cable you can plug in at home with a normal 13amp socket. This makes charging an EV reasonably straight forward for residents with access to off street parking.
Refer to your vehicle’s handbook and any instructions for the use of cables, including extension cables, and seek advice from a qualified electrician before charging an electric vehicle.
It is important to consider public safety and existing legislation when placing the cable from the power supply in your home to your vehicle. Any legal liability arising from the placement of the cable or protector is your responsibility. You may wish to speak to your home insurer to confirm that your home insurance policy covers this situation.
Parking your vehicle for charging
Vehicles should be parked as close to the property as possible. Where a vehicle cannot be parked immediately outside the property, the cable should be run along the carriageway channel against the kerb. The recommended maximum distance from a point outside the property is 10 metres (approximately 2 car lengths).
The cable should not cross the carriageway therefore your vehicle should always be parked on the same side of the road as your property.
Any vehicle parked on the Highway must always adhere to any local parking restrictions that may be in place and should not obstruct the footway.
Charging your vehicle
Whenever you are charging your vehicle, you should always follow all guidance and recommendations in your manufacturer’s handbook (this may differ depending on the vehicle).
Any extension lead that is required should be suitable for external use. You should read any instructions on the correct use provided with your extension lead.
Cables should be laid flat and never be extended from an upper storey to a vehicle, nor should they be hung from any street furniture including lamp columns or trees.
A cable should only be placed over the footway when the vehicle is charging and should always be removed when not in use.
Using a cable protector
The most suitable solution for getting the cable from your property boundary to your vehicle safely is to use a suitable cable protector. Cable protectors are regularly used in public spaces and areas of high footfall to cover cables or wires on a temporary basis.
Any cable protector used should cover the area likely to be walked across, including the full width of any footway and verge between the property and the vehicle.
The cable protector should be non-slip, have contrasting colour markings e.g. yellow, have anti-trip sloped sides, and be of a tough construction suitable for outdoors use.
Cable licensing
Although no licence is currently required, where a location is not suitable then the County Council has existing powers under Section 162 of the Highways Act to seek to have the cable removed.
A license is required for all other temporary placement of cabling on or over the Highway.