As of May 29, 2025, the UK Department for Transport has announced that drivers and businesses in England no longer need planning permission to install electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints at home, workplaces, and public streets.

This regulatory easing aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have previously delayed the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, which could take up to nine months to obtain planning permission.

Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for the Future of Roads, emphasized that reducing paperwork will facilitate the EV revolution and increase the availability of chargepoints for drivers and businesses.

Lewis Gardiner from Osprey Charging Network praised the announcement, noting that removing planning permission requirements will significantly expedite the installation of rapid charging hubs.

While the easing of planning regulations is a positive step towards encouraging EV adoption, RAC's Rod Dennis highlighted the need to address the high costs associated with public charging.

The UK government is focusing on enhancing public charging infrastructure to encourage more drivers, especially those without off-road parking, to switch to electric vehicles.

The National Audit Office reported that the rollout of public EV chargers is on track to meet the target of 300,000 chargers by 2030, coinciding with the government's plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by that year.

To support this initiative, the government has committed over £2.3 billion to boost EV adoption, assist British carmakers, and create jobs through international trade deals.

Jack Cousens from the AA stressed the importance of timely grid connections for EV chargers, particularly in rural areas where off-street parking is not available.

This regulatory change applies to private residential driveways, workplaces, and public streets, aiming to facilitate the rollout of chargepoints.

Enhancing public charging infrastructure is critical for encouraging drivers to transition to electric vehicles.