Brent Council is set to trial a new pavement charging solution for electric vehicles (EVs) in a bid to make charging more accessible for residents who lack off-street parking. The trial, approved by the council's Cabinet on Monday 27 July 2026, will assess the suitability and effectiveness of Cross-Pavement Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles on the Public Highway.
This initiative aims to explore a potentially cheaper and more convenient charging method for residents who rely on on-street parking, by allowing them to access their home electricity supply via an underground cable. This differs from existing on-street charging options by offering a more integrated solution.
One of the biggest hurdles for residents considering the switch to electric vehicles is the cost and convenience of charging, particularly for those relying on on-street parking. Brent, with its high proportion of residents parking on the street, aims to address this barrier through the trial.
The council has already expanded its public charging network, and this new initiative will explore an additional charging option. If the trial proves to be safe, practical, and cost-effective, it could be rolled out more widely across the borough.
Brent has secured £169,000 in grant funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to support the trial, which will initially involve up to 60 locations. Residents without off-street parking can register their interest on the council's website, though participation will be subject to further assessment.
Key criteria that will likely determine whether a pavement channel can be installed at a property include: no existing off-street parking; footway width and composition; the proximity of utilities and street furniture, in particular lamp columns and utility cabinets, and other metal objects, which could pose a ['dual touch'] risk; the proximity of street trees with the need to avoid damaging tree roots; and whether other kerbside interventions are planned at that location (including, but not limited to, on-street public charging infrastructure; cycle parking and other active travel infrastructure/improvements; tree planting and other environmental measures). Additionally, other qualifying criteria are likely to include the need for residents to either own, or be in the process of purchasing, an EV. A key focus for the trial will be existing blue badge holders – many of whom struggle to access existing on-street public charging infrastructure.
The trial is expected to run for 12 months, with an initial review after six months to assess data and feedback. A full review after 12 months will inform decisions on potential expansion or wider rollout. While specific timelines for when residents can expect to hear about the results or potential wider rollout are not provided, a monitoring report will be published after the 12-month review. At this stage, a recommendation will be made to either expand the trial, roll out pavement channels more widely, or close the programme.
More information on the trial can be found in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on Monday 27 July 2026 here.
