Key facts
- Council scheme
- Transport Scotland's Cross Pavement Charging Grant pilot, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust and backed by £250,000 of Scottish Government funding, offers grants of up to £3,500 per household in East Lothian, Renfrewshire and Perth & Kinross, for solutions such as pavement gullies or pop-up bollards.
- Cross-pavement policy
- Decided council by council. Some councils refuse outright – for example, Clackmannanshire says it won't permit charging cables to cross a footway in any circumstances.
Charging an EV in Scotland without a driveway
Transport Scotland estimates that around 40% of Scottish homes have no off-street parking, so charging at home is a real challenge for many drivers.
What's available
- Pilot funding: in August 2025 the Scottish Government launched a £250,000 fund to pay for cross-pavement solutions – such as pavement gullies or pop-up bollards – for households in pilot council areas. Grants of up to £3,500 per household are available in East Lothian, Renfrewshire and Perth & Kinross.
- National guidance on the way: Scottish councils are developing shared guidance so cross-pavement charging is handled more consistently.
Councils still decide
Rules vary widely. Clackmannanshire, for example, says it won't allow charging cables to cross a footway in any circumstances – not even with a cable protector.
Important
The 21 October 2026 planning changes apply to England only. In Scotland, check with your council before installing anything.
Related: How to charge an electric car without a driveway · Pavement charging rules in Scotland, Wales and NI · All council guides
Frequently asked questions
Last updated 16 October 2026