A cross-pavement charging channel allows you to safely run an electric vehicle (EV) charging cable from your home to your vehicle when parked at the kerbside outside your property.
This is the only approved method for running a charging cable across a public footway.
Kerbo Charge is Slough Borough Council’s approved partner for this trial. Find out more on the Kerbo Charge website.
How the charging channel works
The charging channel is installed into the pavement by Kerbo Charge using an approved highways contractor.
To use the channel:
- open the channel lid
- place your charging cable into the channel
- close the lid as you feed the cable through
The lid closes automatically behind the cable, helping to keep the pavement safe and accessible for pedestrians.
When charging is complete, remove the cable by pulling it back through the channel. The lid cannot be left open.
Compatible charging cables
The channel is designed for Type 2 charging cables up to 20mm in diameter.
Home charging unit
You will need to arrange installation of your own wall-mounted EV charger.
Your property must have either:
- a local earth spike installed, or
- a professionally installed EV charger with a built-in Protective Earth Neutral (PEN) fault device.
Strength and safety
The charging channel is made from strong UV-stable rigid PVC, similar to materials used for utility covers.
It has been tested to British Standard BS EN 1433 and carries UKCA and CE safety markings. The channel is designed to withstand both pedestrian use and vehicle traffic.
Is my property suitable?
Your property may be suitable if:
- you can usually park outside your home, and
- you can access a ground-floor electricity supply.
Properties with grass verges
Installation may still be possible if there is a grass verge between your property and the pavement, but this is not normally recommended.
Additional excavation and concrete work may be required, which could increase costs and reduce green space. Suitability will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Parking outside your property
Most EV charging cables are long enough to reach one parking space either side of your property.
If another vehicle is parked outside your home, many residents wait until a nearby space becomes available before charging.
If parking in your area is very limited and you are unable to park near your property at least once a week, this solution may not be suitable for you.
Please note:
- parking bays cannot be reserved for individual properties
- cables must not cross the road
- your vehicle must be parked on the same side of the road as your property.
Costs
Slough Borough Council has secured funding through the Department for Transport’s Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant (EVPCG).
The grant covers most installation costs.
If your application is approved, you will need to pay:
- £399 including VAT towards supply and installation.
In some cases, additional charges may apply for more complex installations. Any extra costs will be explained before work begins.
Installation timescales
Kerbo Charge aims to complete installation within 4 weeks of:
- council approval, and
- payment of the installation fee.
Charging your vehicle safely
When charging your vehicle:
- park as close to your property as possible
- keep the cable within the pavement channel and alongside the kerb
- do not allow the cable to cross the carriageway
- follow all local parking restrictions
- do not obstruct the pavement.
The recommended maximum distance is approximately 10 metres (around two car lengths) from your property.
Insurance requirements
You are responsible for any claims, damage or injury linked to the use of your charging cable or channel.
As part of the application process, Kerbo Charge will check that you have suitable public or third-party liability insurance through:
- your home insurer
- your vehicle insurer, or
- a specialist insurer.
You may be asked to provide evidence of ongoing cover.
Why insurance is important
Trailing cables across pavements can create a serious trip hazard and are unlawful without permission from the highway authority.
The charging channel reduces this risk by safely containing the cable within the pavement.
However, you remain responsible for using the equipment safely and following all licence conditions and guidance.
Planning permission
The Local Planning Authority recommends applying for planning permission if you do not have off-street parking.
However, Slough Borough Council supports the move to electric vehicles and will generally not take enforcement action where all relevant conditions are met.
Key conditions:
You must ensure that:
- you have a Section 178 licence for an approved cross-pavement charging solution
- the charging point is not used until the approved channel is installed
- temporary cable covers or mats are not used
- the charging equipment does not overhang the pavement by more than 100mm
- the charger output does not exceed 11kW
- the cable is stored safely and is not left on the pavement when not in use.
Additional conditions apply for listed buildings, scheduled monuments and equipment size limits under permitted development rules.
Full details about planning permissions can be found here.
Further information:
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the Kerbo Charge Klik portal.
Apply through the Kerbo Charge Klik portal
Further advice and contact details
If you have any questions regarding the trial or pavement channel charging, please contact the team Environmental Quality team.