Electric vehicle charging cable footway channels

What is a charging cable channel?

A cable channel lets electric vehicle (EV) owners use domestic energy rates to charge their car when they have no off-street parking but have a dedicated on-street parking space.

Bradford Council is running a trial until September 2026 for eligible properties. Applications are now open

Eligibility

Your property must:

  • have no off-street parking space or the ability to create one
  • have a dedicated on-street parking bay immediately outside (for example, a disabled parking bay)
  • have a dedicated EV charge point installed by a qualified electrician (with installation certificate)
  • have a clear route from the charge point to the parking space (no obstructions like walls, trees or lighting columns)

You must

  • Confirm eligibility
  • Show the charge point is covered by your building insurance
  • Agree to our terms and conditions
  • Pay non-refundable inspection fee

Costs

  • Application assessment fee: £95 (non-refundable)
  • Installation cost: from £999+VAT (includes first year's licence)
  • Annual licence fee: £50 (from year two)

Grants

You may be eligible for a grant of £350 or 75% of installation costs via the EV chargepoint grant scheme.

How to apply

Apply now for a charging cable channel (Word document)

You'll need

  • Owner's consent (if you are not the owner)
  • Sketch showing the location of the charge point, the cable route and channel start and end points
  • Photo of your property and parking space
  • Installation certificate and insurance evidence

An example sketch showing the location of a EV charge point, the proposed cable route in a garden and details of the start and end point of the channel in the footway outside a property.

If you don't hear back within 20 working days, email PCIHelpDesk@bradford.gov.uk.

Application process

  1. Pay the inspection fee
  2. Council assesses your site (you don't need to be present)
  3. If approved, a detailed survey is done for a bespoke quote
  4. Pay the quoted installation fee within 28 days
  5. Complete the Resident Licence Agreement before installation
  6. Installation by the Highway Delivery Unit

Do not use the channel for 24 hours after installation.

Maintenance

  • Annual licence covers repairs and replacement for 12 months
  • You must keep the channel free of debris
  • Report damage immediately to PCIHelpDesk@bradford.gov.uk

Removal of channel or change of licensee

The Residential Licence Agreement for an EV charging cable channel is linked to both the property and the licence holder.

  • If the property changes owner or tenant, you must notify the Council
  • The licence will be cancelled and a proportionate refund will be issued
  • The new owner or tenant must apply for a new licence within 3 months and pay the £50 annual fee.
  • If no application is received or the annual fee is unpaid, the Council may remove the channel and reinstate the footway

Terms and conditions

Initial application

  • Application fee: £95 (non-refundable)
  • Pay within 14 days or your application will be deleted
  • Site survey will confirm eligibility. If refused, you'll be notified within 21 days

Appeals

  • Submit appeals within 10 days of refusal to: Highways Services Manager, Planning, Transportation & Highways Service, 4th Floor, Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1HX
  • Appeals will not be considered if:
    • Installation affects your neighbours,
    • Trees or roots would interfere and cannot be removed
    • Channel would harm pedestrian safety
  • Decisions issued within 20 days and are final

Installation

  • Approved applications receive a quote valid for 28 days
  • Pay installation fee before works start
  • The Council may alter your footpath or steps if needed; you indemnify the Council against claims
  • Sign the Resident Licence Agreement before installation
  • Do not use the channel for 24 hours after installation. Damage during this period is your responsibility

Annual licence

  • £50 annual fee due on the anniversary of installation
  • Non-payment may result in removal of the channel

Maintenance and repair

  • Keep the channel clear of debris and ensure the lid is closed
  • Report any damage immediately
  • Take out trip insurance for your charging cable
  • The Council maintains the channel after installation, but you indemnify the Council against claims unless due to product or installation failure.

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