Charging at home
You can only charge your vehicle outside your home if you have off-street parking.
You cannot fit a permanent or removable charger on a public or adopted road, pavement or path. You also can not run a temporary or permanent cable over a public road or pavement, even with a cable cover or channel. This is because
- the Highway Code Rule 239 says you should avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables when using charging points
- footways must be clear for pedestrians and people using wheelchairs
- the cable would be dangerous for people with impaired vision or mobility issues and the owner would be held liable for any injury
- public roads and pavements cannot be reserved and are for everyone to use
- you cannot reserve a parking space on a public road outside your house
- installing a charging cable might prevent access under the road or pavement for utilities (gas, electricity, water, telephone, broadband).
Under the terms of Section 109 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Part V: Roads and Building Control and Part VIII: Interference and Damage of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, it is not permitted to place apparatus, including a cable or wire over, along or across a public road (which includes the footway) without the consent of the roads authority.
If your property has off-street parking, or you have a private off-street parking space, you may be able to install a private electric vehicle charging point. You may need planning permission if you need to install a new driveway, if your property is a listed building or is within a conservation area.
If your parking space is managed by a landlord or factor you may need permission from them before you install a charging point.
You can contact the Council’s planning help desk with any queries by emailing planning@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Public charging points
Edinburgh has a growing number of chargers available for all electric vehicle drivers to use across the city. View all charging points on ChargePlace Scotland website with up-to-date information on location, type, cost and availability.