New support for kerbside EV charging
Residents in terraced properties across Blackburn with Darwen can now apply for an affordable way to charge electric vehicles at home, after the council confirmed a government‑funded scheme to install pavement cable channels for a contribution of £100. The recessed channels allow a charging lead to be routed safely between a home and a vehicle parked on the street, addressing a persistent obstacle for households without off‑street parking.
Under the programme, eligible households can request a channel to be cut into the pavement outside their property, reducing trip hazards while enabling overnight charging using a domestic supply. The council says additional support may also be available to help some residents with the cost of a home EV charge point, subject to eligibility.
Limited funding and expected timescales
Blackburn with Darwen Council has highlighted that funding is finite and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Owing to high demand, new applications are currently expected to have a lead time of approximately 12 weeks. Residents are encouraged to express their interest promptly via the council’s website to avoid missing out.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident contribution | £100 for a pavement cable channel |
| Lead time | Approximately 12 weeks for new applications |
| Additional support | Potential funding towards a home charge point (eligibility applies) |
Council stance and aims
The scheme forms part of wider efforts to make low‑emission travel more practical for households in older streets where driveways are uncommon. The council says the channels are designed to improve safety and accessibility while enabling residents to take advantage of typically lower home electricity tariffs compared with many public chargers.
“This scheme is helping to remove one of the biggest barriers to owning an electric vehicle for people living in terraced homes, by making it safer, easier and more affordable for residents to charge their vehicles at home. Thanks to external funding, we’re able to offer cable channels for just £100, significantly reducing the cost for residents. We’re also able to support eligible households with funding towards the installation of home charge points. We’re committed to making greener travel more accessible to everyone, regardless of the type of property they live in. As the funding available is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, I would encourage anyone who is interested to register their interest as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
The council also notes that a Blackburn resident, Faz, has already switched to charging at home and features in a short video on the authority’s Facebook page outlining potential savings compared with using public networks.
What residents need to know
- Who can apply: Residents in terraced streets without off‑street parking may be eligible; the council will confirm criteria.
- What’s covered: Installation of a pavement channel to carry a cable from the property to the kerbside; separate support towards a home charge point may be available for eligible applicants.
- Cost and timing: A £100 resident contribution applies; new applications currently have an indicative 12‑week lead time.
- How to register: Residents are advised to check eligibility and register interest through the council website as soon as possible, due to limited funding.
Local impact
Kerbside charging solutions have been a recurring issue in areas dominated by terraced housing. By providing a dedicated channel in the pavement, the council intends to reduce obstructions on footways, improve safety for pedestrians and enable residents to charge overnight at home, which can be both more convenient and potentially less costly than ad‑hoc public charging. While the number of installations available under this funding round is not specified, the council’s emphasis on acting early suggests strong interest and finite capacity.
For residents considering an EV but deterred by the absence of a driveway, this offer may make ownership more practical. Those already driving electric may find the arrangement reduces reliance on public charge points, especially during peak times.
Anyone seeking to apply should review the latest criteria and register their interest via the council’s online portal. With demand already stretching expected installation times, early applications are likely to be key.
