As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, local authorities face a growing challenge: how to provide convenient EV charging for residents who don’t have access to off-street parking.
In many towns and cities, particularly those with terraced housing or dense urban neighbourhoods, a significant proportion of residents rely entirely on on-street parking. Without access to a driveway, charging at home simply isn’t an option.
This is where lamppost EV charging is increasingly being explored.
By integrating chargers into existing street lighting infrastructure, councils can expand kerbside charging capacity without installing entirely new street furniture or undertaking large-scale civil works.
However, while lamppost charging can be one of the most cost-effective and scalable approaches to on-street EV infrastructure, it isn’t as simple as installing chargers on any available column.
Power capacity, street layout, accessibility, asset ownership and community engagement all play a role in whether a scheme succeeds.
To help guide the process, here is a practical checklist many local authorities are working through when developing a lamppost charging strategy.
1. Street suitability
The success of lamppost charging often starts with choosing the right streets.
Areas with limited or no off-street parking are typically the most suitable locations, particularly where residents rely heavily on kerbside parking. Terraced housing, and residential permit zones are often the primary focus.
Street layout also plays an important role.
Columns located at the front edge of the pavement tend to be better suited for charging, as this helps minimise the risk of cables crossing pedestrian walkways and creating trip hazards.
Other practical factors to consider include:
• Proximity between the column and residential properties
• Pavement width and accessibility for pedestrians
• Space for disabled drivers to safely manoeuvre and connect vehicles
• Existing street clutter and highway constraints
Not every column will be suitable, so early site assessment is essential before any large-scale rollout.
2. Electrical capacity and infrastructure
One of the most important considerations is whether the existing electrical infrastructure can support charging.
Street lighting circuits were originally designed for lighting loads, not vehicle charging. While recent guidance from some DNOs has confirmed that many older columns can support low-power charging (typically around 5kW), this still needs to be assessed carefully.
Local authorities should work with their Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and contractors to understand:
• The available capacity on lighting circuits
• Existing fuse ratings within the column
• The potential impact on other connected assets such as lighting, CCTV or signage
• Whether circuit upgrades, additional earthing or load management may be required
In many cases, lamppost charging can work well when designed carefully, but confirming electrical capacity early avoids unexpected issues later in the project.
3. Charging strategy and technology
Lamppost chargers are typically best suited to lower-speed charging, particularly for residents who park overnight.
Unlike rapid charging hubs designed for quick top-ups, kerbside charging often supports longer dwell times. This makes slower AC charging both practical and cost-effective.
When defining a charging strategy, councils should consider:
• Typical parking duration in residential streets
• Overnight charging behaviour
• Future EV adoption levels within the borough
• Opportunities for load balancing and smart charging
Using hardware that supports open communication protocols such as OCPP can also help ensure long-term flexibility, allowing operators to switch networks or upgrade software platforms if required.
Planning for future demand is also important. Even if utilisation is low initially, adoption can increase quickly once infrastructure becomes available.
4. Funding and asset ownership
Funding and asset ownership are another key part of the puzzle.
Programmes such as the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund are helping councils accelerate deployment of public charging networks across the UK.
However, successful projects usually require clarity on several areas:
• Who funds the installation
• Who operates the chargers
• Who maintains the infrastructure long-term
• Whether the council receives revenue from charging
In many cases, partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) or infrastructure providers help spread cost and risk while enabling faster rollout.
5. Community engagement
Kerbside EV charging can significantly change how residential streets operate, which is why early engagement with local communities is important.
Residents may have questions about parking availability, charging access and potential restrictions on EV-only bays.
Engaging early helps identify concerns before installation begins.
Local authorities often benefit from consulting with:
• Resident groups and neighbourhood forums
• Disability advocacy organisations
• Schools, churches and local community groups
• Parking enforcement teams
Ensuring chargers are accessible and easy to use for all drivers, including those with mobility challenges, should remain a key priority throughout the design process.
6. Procurement and delivery partners
Delivering charging infrastructure at scale requires collaboration between several stakeholders.
Procurement frameworks can help simplify the process, but councils should still carefully assess potential partners.
Key considerations include:
• Proven delivery experience
• Financial stability of operators and suppliers
• Long-term service and maintenance capability
• Technical compatibility with existing systems
Recent changes in the EV charging market have highlighted the importance of working with partners who have a clear and sustainable delivery model.
Looking beyond headline installation costs to long-term reliability and service quality is essential.
7. Hardware and back-office considerations
The street environment can be demanding for EV charging hardware.
Units must be able to withstand weather exposure, frequent use and, in some cases, vandalism.
When evaluating charging hardware, local authorities should consider:
• Durability and environmental protection ratings (IP and IK ratings)
• Ease of use for drivers
• Payment options such as RFID, contactless or app-based access
• Remote monitoring and fault diagnostics
• Back-office systems for billing and user support
Reliable hardware and responsive maintenance play a significant role in maintaining public confidence in charging infrastructure.
Drivers are unlikely to tolerate unreliable chargers, particularly if they rely on them for overnight charging near their homes.
Building a scalable kerbside charging strategy
There is no single blueprint for delivering kerbside EV charging.
Each local authority will face its own mix of street layouts, electrical infrastructure, community needs and funding constraints.
However, with careful planning and the right delivery partners, lamppost charging can become one of the most practical ways to expand charging access for residents without driveways.
By combining existing infrastructure with smart planning, councils can begin building a charging network that supports both current EV drivers and the rapid growth expected in the years ahead.