Issue - meetings

Cross-pavement charging solutions (XPS) present an opportunity for residents without access to off-street parking to charge an electric vehicle (EV) on-street using their domestic electricity supply with this report setting out details of a proposed limited trial of XPS in Brent which, if successful, could be rolled-out to other parts of the borough.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)  To approve undertaking a limited trial of electric vehicle pavement channels, to enable the Council to gauge the suitability of the technology and to establish suitable criteria/ processes for possible wider deployment across Brent.

(2)  To approve the budget for the project, including all relevant costs as set out in the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 3 August 2026.

Councillor Promise Knight (Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration seeking Cabinet approval to a limited trial of cross-pavement charging solutions for electric vehicles on the public highway.

In presenting the report, Councillor Knight began by stating that the proposal took a practical step towards supporting residents who wanted to make the switch to electric vehicles. She noted that one of the biggest barriers to making that switch was the cost and convenience of electric vehicle charging, for example where residents did not have a driveway, which was particularly the case in Brent where many residents relied on on-street parking.

In detailing the purpose of the trial, Councillor Knight advised that it looked to understand whether on-street charging could work safely and effectively to the benefit of residents, and if the evidence showed that the solution was safe, practical and good value then the Council should be prepared to take it forward in more areas. Brent had already expanded its public charging network, and this trial provided another opportunity to see whether other approaches could benefit residents who did not have access to charging, which Councillor Knight felt reflected the type of evidence-based, practical approach that residents should expect from the Council.

In considering the report, Cabinet were supportive of the trial being taken forward, with members advising of the demand identified by residents wanting to make that switch but finding the transition difficult due to lack of driveways.  In addition, members were keen to commend the trial as a means of seeking to adapt to the climate crisis with the Council keen to embrace new ideas and solutions in an open and innovative way in order to remain at the forefront of emerging opportunities.

In commending the approach and noting the funding received from the Department of Transport for up to 60 charging options across the borough, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Council undertaking a trial of electric vehicle pavement channels to enable the Council to gauge the suitability of the technology and to establish suitable criteria / processes for possible wider deployment across Brent.

(2)       To approve the budget for the project, including all relevant costs, as set out in the report.