Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) help reduce emissions and improve air quality across Redbridge. Electric vehicles don’t create polluting gases when they drive, so they’re better for the planet.
If you drive a fully electric vehicle, you also don’t need to pay ULEZ or LEZ charges.
Charging your electric vehicle
Public chargepoints are available across Redbridge and continue to be expanded to meet growing demand.
Find an electric vehicle chargepoint
Use ZapMap to find your nearest chargepoint. It also shows whether each chargepoint is available, in use or out of service, and which network manages it.
If you’re using the app, you can see extra details such as pricing and payment options.
How to use a chargepoint
You can charge your vehicle using our range of charger types. Most charge point providers offer instructional videos covering pricing, app downloads, account setup, and how to use their charging points.
Request an on-street electric vehicle chargepoint
You can suggest a location and request an on-street charge point near your home or workplace by emailing EVCP@redbridge.gov.uk
We will register your interest to help us determine local demand for new charge points.
Report a problem with a chargepoint
Charging points are operated by different companies. If a charging point is not working or there are issues with signage or road markings, please report it directly to the operator. You can find the operator’s details on the charging point itself.
How we decide where to install chargepoints
Our charge point roll-out will focus on providing reliable, safe and accessible charging in suitable locations while keeping pavements clear and supporting different mobility needs.
When we choose new locations for charge points, we look at:
- requests and suggestions from residents
- where charging is most needed, especially on streets where people don’t have driveways
- which areas have fewer chargepoints and need better access
- practical things like space, safety, lighting and how the street is used
- future demand, so the network can grow as more people switch to electric vehicles
Parking
Some parking bays are reserved for electric vehicles only, while others are shared between EVs and non‑EVs.
EV‑only bays
- These bays are next to our fast, rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers.
- You can park in an EV‑only bay with no maximum stay, as long as your vehicle is plugged in and actively charging.
- At some locations near stations, EV‑only bays have a maximum stay of four hours with no return. These limits depend on the site.
- If an EV‑only bay is inside a CPZ, you must hold a valid CPZ permit or visitor permit to use it.
Shared bays
If you park in a shared bay, local parking restrictions apply, even if you are charging.
Installing a chargepoint
You can install a home EV charge point if you have a safe way to run a charging cable to your vehicle.
A qualified electrician must install the chargepoint, and it must meet national safety standards.
If you rent your home, you must get permission before installing a chargepoint from:
- your landlord or freeholder if you rent privately
- from the council if you are a council tenant
Home chargepoints must not be installed within 2.5 meters of:
- a council lamp column
- other conductive equipment on the public highway
If you do not have off-street parking
You may still be able to install a home chargepoint if you do not have off-street parking. This would be through a pavement channel.
Pavement channels are designed to help you charge an electric vehicle from your home electricity supply without trailing a cable across the pavement. This can be cheaper than using an on-street charge point.
Redbridge Council plans to pilot electric vehicle pavement channels during the 2026/27 financial year. If you are interested in taking part, you can register your interest to be contacted when applications open.
You must not trail charging cables across pavements or use unauthorised cable covers or drainage channels. This can create a trip hazard, block access and may be an offence under the Highways Act 1980.
Check if you need planning permission
Most home EV chargepoints do not need planning permission as they are usually covered by permitted development rights.
If your property is in a conservation area or within the curtilage of a listed building, permitted development rights may have been removed in these areas through an Article 4 Direction. If you are unsure, contact the planning team.
Your installation is covered by permitted development rights if it meets the following criteria.
If you’re installing a wall‑mounted charger (Class D) the chargepoint and its casing must:
- be no bigger than 0.2 cubic metres
- not be installed on a listed building
- not be installed on a scheduled monument
If you’re installing a free‑standing charger on an upstand (Class E) the chargepoints and its post must:
- be no taller than 2.7 metres
- be no more than 1.6 metres high if it’s installed within the boundary of a house or block of flats
- not be on installed on a listed building
- not be installed on a scheduled monument
- only have one upstand per parking space
If your installation meets these criteria, you will not need planning permission. If you would like formal confirmation that your installation is lawful, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
If your installation doesn’t meet this criteria
You’ll need to apply for planning permission through the planning portal.
Help with the cost of installing a charger
You may be able to get a government grant to help pay for the installation of a chargepoint.
If you are a resident with off-street parking, you may be eligible for the EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners.
If you are a business, charity or pubic sector organisation, you may be able eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme.
If you need to remove the chargepoint
If you take the charger away in future, you must return the wall or ground to how it was before the installation.
Charging an electric vehicle for work
If you have an electric company car, including one through salary sacrifice, your employer may reimburse you using the advisory fuel rates.
Our plan for EV charging in Redbridge
We want to make it easier for residents to use electric vehicles by expanding a reliable, accessible network of chargepoints across the borough. Our vision is to support a smooth transition to electric vehicles in Redbridge, while continuing to encourage walking, wheeling, cycling and the use of public transport.
This work supports our wider carbon‑reduction goals and will make charging more convenient. Our aim is for most residents to be within a 3‑minute walk of a chargepoint by 2030.
As we install more chargepoints, you can expect:
- more places to charge on local streets, including areas where people don’t have driveways
- more types of chargers, including faster ones for quick top‑ups
- fairer prices and more choice over which company you charge with
Contact
If you have any questions about electric vehicles or home charge points, email EVCP@redbridge.gov.uk
