Our strategy
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible charging infrastructure so that everyone has the option to start using an electric vehicle if they choose.
Our goal is to make charging available to all residents, tourists and businesses, including those without off-street parking, by expanding access to residential chargepoints, on-street solutions, and community charging hubs.
These plans rely on central government funding. If you’d like to find out more, you can read the following document:
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy Part 1 (PDF, 516kb)
Part 2 of our strategy will be published in Spring 2025.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Survey
Help shape the future of charging infrastructure in Westmorland and Furness by taking part in our short questionnaire. Your input will help us understand local needs and ensure charging solutions are accessible, reliable, and tailored to our community. It only takes a few minutes, but your feedback will make a lasting impact.
On-street charging
The council is currently exploring various chargepoint models, with the aim to begin installations in residential areas from spring 2025.
In some locations, on-street charging infrastructure will not be possible to install (for example, due to narrow pavements or electrical grid availability). In these circumstances we will look to install charging infrastructure in nearby council public car parks or community hubs.
If you have an electric vehicle but have on-street parking, note that you are not allowed to trail charging cables across pavements under Section 162 of The Highways Act. The council has the authority to remove unauthorised cables.
Off-street charging
If you have a driveway or garage you can install a home chargepoint without planning permission, unless it is on a listed building.
The installation cost can vary depending on the complexity of the work, such as the distance from your electrical supply to the chargepoint location or the need for upgrades to your home’s electrical system, with average costs ranging from £800 to £1,500.
Government grants are available in some circumstances to help reduce installation costs, and many new electric vehicles come with a home chargepoint included.
You can find more details about this grant here:
Community chargepoints
We are working with public sector organisations and community groups to source sites for chargepoints in locations that will benefit both residents and visitors.
By 2030, we aim to have charging points in all major community areas, including car parks, high-traffic zones, and popular tourist destinations.
Request a community chargepoint
If you represent a parish or town council and are interested in hosting a chargepoint in one of your car parks, you can request one using our expression of interest form. A small revenue share may be available
Community trusts that own parish, town hall, or community hall car parks may also be eligible.
Parking areas should be easily accessible to residents and the public, and ideally open 24 hours a day.
Note that there is no commitment from the council at this stage, and installations are expected to commence from winter 2025 after site evaluations are completed.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: