Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services committee has approved a policy allowing residents without off-street parking to install charging cables beneath public footways, making it one of the first Scottish councils to do so. Residents must apply for permission via a Section 109 Agreement at a cost of £923, covering application processing, legal agreements and site inspections, though Energy Savings Trust grant funding may be available for eligible applicants. The policy aims to expand home charging access while preventing safety risks from cables laid across pavements.
Why it matters: The policy creates a replicable framework for local authorities seeking to expand residential charging infrastructure beyond properties with driveways, addressing a key barrier to EV adoption in urban and terraced housing areas. The £923 permit fee and Section 109 legal structure offer procurement teams and charge point operators a clear cost and compliance model for similar cross-pavement installations across Scotland and potentially the wider UK.