UK Power Networks has updated its guidance to allow the use of lamp posts for electric vehicle (EV) charging.
The change follows studies showing that 5kW chargepoints can be installed on older lamp posts.
This decision comes after previous restrictions on installing chargers on older columns with different wiring.
The revised guidance is expected to benefit EV owners in areas where many do not have off-street parking.
The update enables local authorities to install more chargers using lamp posts, supported by the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund.
UK Power Networks, in collaboration with Shell ubitricity, has confirmed that older lamp posts can support these chargepoints.
The move aims to increase the availability of charging stations in urban areas.
The UK Government’s strategy includes a target of 300,000 to 700,000 public chargepoints by 2030 to meet the demand for up to ten million EVs.
Mark Adolphus, director of Connections at UK Power Networks said: “This is great news for customers and lights the way for a vast swathe of new electric vehicle charging stations across the region we serve.
“It underlines the importance of networks collaborating with the wider energy industry to ensure they can deliver with confidence and certainty.”
Stuart Wilson, market unit Lead at ubitricity said: “Over eight million households in the UK do not have access to off-street parking and without strong public EV charging infrastructure, there is a legitimate concern that people without a driveway will be left behind in the transition to electric vehicles in the UK.”
