In the era of climate change and the global effort to transition towards green energy, electric vehicles (EVs) 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. Hounslow Council has an opportunity to lead the way in supporting environmental progress by allowing for the installation of pavement gullies that facilitate EV charging from home.

With more than 20,000 electric vehicles registered in London alone (according to the Department for Transport), the need for convenient home charging solutions is more pressing than ever. The demand for EVs is increasing rapidly, driven by strict emission regulations and the planned phase-out of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 in the UK. Yet, in many residential areas, especially those without driveways or garages, EV owners face significant challenges in charging their vehicles efficiently and safely.

Pavement gullies offer a practical and efficient solution. They can be installed without requiring extensive or intrusive infrastructure, allowing residents to safely charge their vehicles from the comfort of their homes. This solution is not only convenient but aligns with the UK government's broader environmental objectives and ambition for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Moreover, home charging is far more cost effective than charging via commercial charge points. On a home tariff, an EV can be charged fully to roughly 330 miles of range for £4-£6. On a public charge point, the number is much closer to £32. Over the course of a year and assuming approximately 1 charge per month, the EV driver pays £320 more, which is about a third of a family's entire annual electricity bill. The failure to provide practical home charging represents an unfair and unjustified economic cost on residents.

With regards to Hounslow's previous decisions and guidance on the matter, this petition argues that their conclusions and justifications for not allowing charging gullies are unjustified. The simplest and most straightforward refutation of their arguments is the fact of councils around the country permitting them. Of 134 councils who responded to a recent FOI request, 7 permit charging gullies already, 21 are in trial stage, and 28 plan to roll them out in 2026. In addition, the national government has planned legislation to make them permitted development at the national level (though the timing of this is ambiguous).

We urge the Hounslow Council to take immediate steps to review and amend current regulations to permit the use of pavement gullies for home EV charging. This initiative would offer significant benefits, including:

- Reducing dependence on public charging stations, which are often inconveniently located or constantly in use 
- Encouraging more residents to switch to electric vehicles by offering a practical home charging solution 
- Supporting local and national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change

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 and environment. Please sign and share to make Hounslow a leader in sustainable transport innovation.