Chiswick-led Campaign for EV Gully Charging Gains Momentum

Growing support for alternative to unreliable lamppost chargers

Some councils across the country already allow cross pavement charging with others looking into the option

August 9, 2026

A Chiswick-led campaign is calling on Hounslow Council to rethink its position on cross-pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging, arguing that current policies leave many residents unable to charge their cars affordably or reliably.

A number of councillors have responded positively to pleas from residents to look at the issue and recently a petition has been launched by a Grove Park resident.

Chiswick has an unusual combination of a high proportion of EV ownership combined with a very low rate of homes with their own driveways meaning that most are unable to use their domestic electricity supply to charge. Instead, they rely on lamppost charging — a system that residents say is both expensive and increasingly unreliable. Several EV owners have reported persistent faults with Shell-operated lamppost chargers, including units that fail to activate or deliver charge. Some drivers say they have been forced to travel significant distances to find working chargers, while others have resorted to using more costly Source London units near Kew Bridge.

The petition argues that the solution lies in allowing pavement gullies: narrow channels set into the footway that enable residents to run a charging cable safely from their home to their vehicle without obstructing pedestrians. The technology is already in use elsewhere in the UK, and campaigners say Hounslow is falling behind.

The petition states: “In the era of climate change and the global effort to transition towards green energy, electric vehicles have become a cornerstone of sustainable transportation. However, for residents in Hounslow, the practicalities of owning an EV are hindered by the lack of accessible home charging solutions.”

It highlights the growing demand for EVs — more than 20,000 registered in London alone — and the looming 2030 phase-out of petrol and diesel cars. For households without driveways, the petition argues, the inability to charge at home represents both a practical barrier and an unfair financial burden. Charging an EV overnight on a home tariff costs around £4–£6 for roughly 330 miles of range. The same charge at a public point can cost around £32. Over a year, even at one charge per month, that amounts to an additional £320 — roughly a third of a typical family’s annual electricity bill.

Campaigners also challenge the council’s previous reasoning for rejecting gullies, pointing to national trends. Of 134 councils responding to a recent FOI request, seven already permit gullies, 21 are trialling them, and 28 plan to introduce them in 2026. National legislation is expected to make gullies permitted development, though the timing remains unclear.

Cllrs Amy Croft and Salman Shaheen have both backed the call for change and have asked officers to explore how gully charging could be safely implemented. Cllr Rick Rowe said he was pleased the issue was being examined and supported solutions that would allow residents without driveways to charge from home.

Hounslow Council has acknowledged the growing interest in EV charging and confirming that a review is under way. While the borough does not currently permit cable gullies, officers are “carrying out a thorough, proactive review” to explore whether they can be integrated safely in future.

The council says its considerations centre on community safety, fairness and accessibility, and long-term maintenance. It emphasises concerns about trailing cables, shared pavements, and the need to keep kerbs accessible for all residents, including those with mobility or visual impairments.

In the meantime, Hounslow is focusing on expanding its public charging network, with an ambition to ensure that every resident without a driveway is “never more than a 30-second walk from a dedicated public charger.”

The debate echoes similar tensions in neighbouring boroughs. Last year, Ealing Council confirmed it would not proceed with a gully trial, despite 75% of respondents to its own EV survey supporting the idea. Critics accused Ealing of ignoring public opinion and missing out on government funding, while pointing to trials in Richmond, Brent, Enfield and Nottinghamshire. Ealing defended its decision on safety grounds and said it would continue to monitor national evidence.

argue that without access to home charging, EV adoption will stall — not because residents oppose change, but because the infrastructure does not yet support them.

The petition urges Hounslow to act: “We need your support. By signing this petition, you can help make home charging of EVs accessible for everyone in Hounslow, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for our community.”

The petition can be found here.