Village residents who do not have driveways can take part in a trial for a new electric vehicle (EV) charging scheme.
Cambridgeshire County Council is preparing to launch a pilot scheme that would allow eligible residents with on-street parking to install specially designed cable channels in the pavement outside their homes.
The slim channels would enable charging cables to run safely from a property to a parked vehicle. Once in place, the cable sits inside the channel and is covered by a flat lid, helping to reduce trip hazards and keep pavements clear. Currently, loose cables and temporary covers are not permitted on public footways in the county.
Information on the County Council’s website explains: “The channel will allow approved residents without a driveway to charge their EV from home, benefiting from the reduced cost of charging using a home energy tariff.”
The trial is expected to begin in spring 2026. There will be a cost for residents who take part, with full details available on the Council’s website.
EV charging
As more drivers make the switch to EVs, demand for local charging infrastructure continues to grow.
At the moment, four public charging locations are listed in the villages on Zapmap, an online guide to EV charge points. These are at The Red Lion, Histon Service Station, Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital and a residential property in Hereward Close.
Both Cambridgeshire County Council and Histon & Impington Parish Council have said they are keen to see more public charging points installed locally.
In its 2025 annual report, the Parish Council’s Highways, Drainage and Formal Spaces Committee mentioned it is exploring a grant from South Cambridgeshire District Council to support the installation of additional chargers at community sites.
HI HUB contacted the Parish Council to ask whether there has been any further progress since the report was published. The Clerk said the Council was unable to respond within the timeframe requested.
Further information about the cable channel trial, including eligibility details and a contact email address, is available on the County Council’s website. H&I councillor Ros Hathorn has also said she is happy to assist residents interested in taking part. Her email is ros.hathorn@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
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