Surrey County Council, Cross-pavement charging gullies

• Location: Surrey, South East

• Purpose: Expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for residents without off-street parking.

• Description: Following successful trials in 2024, pavement gullies are now being offered to all eligible residents with off-street parking, provided that safe parking provision and pavement access can be maintained. This will make charging an EV more affordable for residents, who can then benefit from smart charging EV tariffs and the zero rate of VAT on electricity bills in contrast to 20 percent VAT rate for public EV charging. The gullies allow for charging cables to be run from homes to cars parked on the street. They have a zip-style lid closing them to prevent trip hazards for those using the pavement. Residents have to complete an initial assessment with Kerbo Charge then can apply for a gulley and pay a £499 fee, reduced from £1000 due to the Department for Transport's grant. For those who are  ineligible for the scheme, Surrey County Council has installed over 500 on-street chargepoints in partnership with Connect Kerb. This will help expand transport choice by boosting affordability, reduce emissions, and improve air quality.

• Funding: Partnership with Kerbo Charge and funding from the Department for Transport Electric Vehicles Pavement Channel Grant

• Conservative Councillor/ Council Lead: Cllr Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth

• Further Reading: Surrey County Council launches new home charging option for EV drivers, No Driveway? You can still charge your EV at home in Surrey!, CEN’s Deploying EV charging infrastructure briefing, Changes to various permitted development rights for EV charging, Budget 2026: cutting EV charging costs