The UK government is set to deregulate the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points to enhance their availability throughout England.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that the new legislation will enable quicker and more cost-effective installations, benefiting drivers in both urban and rural areas.

This new approach will replace the complicated street works licenses with simpler permits, significantly lowering costs and approval times for EV charge point operators.

Under the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, applications can be made directly to the Department for Transport, removing the need for local council approvals and streamlining the installation process.

Permits for temporary street works will range from £45 to £130 and will be approved within two to five days, facilitating the rapid rollout of charging infrastructure across the country.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook noted that this initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation while supporting the transition to clean energy.

This initiative is part of the government's broader target to install 300,000 EV charging points by 2030, coinciding with a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars starting that same year.

Currently, the UK has around 75,000 charging points, reflecting a 32% increase from the previous year, but this figure still falls short of the ambitious target, particularly with a concentration in London.