The government has stopped the need for planning permission to install cross-pavement chargers from today, in a move aimed to make the process cheaper, easier and quicker to install.

Cross pavement chargers run under pavements from people’s homes to their cars, allowing residents without off-street parking can plug into cheaper domestic electricity prices, as well as save up to £300 on installation.

Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: "We’re saving drivers up to £300 off the cost of installing home charging by cutting unnecessary red tape.

"The EV transition is in full swing – sales are up 36% on last year and over 190,000 have saved thousands making the switch in the last year alone."

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said: "This might look like a small planning change, but for someone without a driveway, it could make the difference between being able to afford an electric car and ruling one out altogether. Removing the need for planning permission for cross-pavement charging is a really welcome and meaningful step towards a fairer transition.

"Our research found that 60% of petrol and diesel drivers without off-street parking would never consider an EV. Being able to connect a car parked on the street to cheaper home electricity could help change that. It’s now up to local authorities and landlords to make these solutions easier to access in practice."

Alongside this, the government has launched two consultations to make home charging easier and ensure new buildings are equipped with chargers, so people can plug in with ease.