Enhancing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The UK government is reforming the process for installing electric vehicle charging points, aiming to significantly increase their availability by 2030. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced legislation to simplify the installation process by replacing complex streetworks licenses with simpler permits, thus reducing costs and approval times for charge point operators. Applications will be submitted directly to the Department of Transport, bypassing local councils, and permits will be expedited, with most approved within two to five days. This initiative is part of a broader goal to install 300,000 charging points by 2030, amidst a growing concern about current numbers, particularly outside London.