Running cables across highways

Do not charge your electric vehicle by running a cable across the public highway from a domestic or business electricity supply. This includes the use of cable mats.  Instead, you should use the nearest chargepoint to you. We are aware of the trials some local authorities (LAs) have undertaken to allow residents to lay their EV cable in a channel through the pavement to access their vehicle on the public highway but these are not currently permitted in Brighton & Hove.  

The Department for Transport (DfT) invited councils to apply for funding to support cross-pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, with a deadline of 30 October 2025. Brighton & Hove City Council submitted an application and received confirmation on 5 February 2026 that it had been successful. The DfT has advised funds are expected to be allocated by 31 March 2026, the end of the financial year. 

Officers will present a report at spring Cabinet in May 2026, which will include a recommendation on how the city should proceed with cross-pavement charging.

It is important to note that cross pavement gullies may not suit every resident and location, therefore our current focus is the expansion of the public chargepoint network.