Need help with your lamppost charging strategy?

Here’s a practical checklist for Local Authorities planning kerbside EV charging

As more drivers make the switch to electric, local authorities are under growing pressure to roll out convenient and reliable on-street charging. Lamppost chargers offer one of the most cost-effective ways to serve residents without driveways. And with recent revised guidance from UK Power Networks confirming even older lamp columns can be used for 5kW charging, the door is open to large-scale deployment.

But where do you begin? Installing lamppost chargers isn’t as simple as rocking up at any old column. From power capacity and lamppost orientation to pavement widths, accessibility, and asset ownership, it’s a complex puzzle with lots of moving parts.

This practical checklist is designed to help councils shape a strategy that works for their streets, their residents, and their long-term goals.

Location & street suitability

• Target areas with no off-street parking. Think terraced housing and high-density neighbourhoods where driveway access is non-existent or limited
• Use lampposts at the front of the pavement. This helps keep cables off walkways and avoids trip hazards
• Check proximity to homes. Shorter cable runs mean easier charging for residents
• Factor in accessibility. Consider charger height, space to manoeuvre, and ease of use for disabled drivers

Power & technology

• Check with your DNO. Understand the local grid’s capacity – especially if you’re planning a large rollout 
• Check the fuse rating, to prevent tripping when the charge starts, there must be sufficient power capacity for both the charger and lighting/CCTV/CMS etc.
• Pick the right charge speed. Lamppost chargers are usually best suited for slow overnight charging
• Plan for safe cable management. You’ll need to avoid trailing leads that pose a risk to pedestrians
• Think ahead. Consider smart charging, future load balancing, and OCPP-compliant hardware for flexibility

Cost & funding

• Clarify asset ownership. Who owns the columns, and what upgrades are needed?
• Tap into funding. Grants like ORCS (which closed in May-25) and LEVI, the main source of public investment, can make a real difference
• Decide who pays for what. Council, private partner, or shared cost? Define this early
• Don’t forget maintenance. Budget for replacements, repairs, and working with the CPO on complaint-driven relocations
• Revenue vs responsibility. If the council wants to generate income, residents will expect reliable performance

Community & consultation

• Talk to residents. Especially in areas with limited parking – early engagement helps avoid objections later
• Work with local groups. Disability forums, schools, churches, and community organisations can provide valuable insights.
• Coordinate internally. Highways, streetlighting, planning, parking enforcement—all need to be aligned. This is often underestimated.

Rules & policies

• Create clear rules. Who can park there? For example, electric vehicles only – and only when charging. When? Are time limits or permits required?
• Think about enforcement. Especially in existing permit zones or busy residential streets
• Align with wider goals. Charging rollout should support your climate plans and transport strategy
• Visibility matters. Make sure chargers appear on platforms like Zapmap so drivers can find them
• Make sure there is appropriate signage 

Procurement & partners

• Choose partners carefully. Use approved frameworks and check financial stability. Some operators have exited the market recently
• Check which CPO’s are delivering their projects and who isn’t
• Cover the legal side. Contracts, liabilities, data protection, and driver access all need clear terms
• Look beyond price. Consider service levels, hardware quality, and long-term support

Hardware & backoffice

• What’s the hardware lifespan? How often will units need replacing?
• Is it easy to use? Residents won’t tolerate clunky apps or broken chargers. Give them payment options
• Use open protocols. OCPP compliance ensures flexibility across systems and networks.
• Understand the back office. Billing, diagnostics, and customer service all matter

Contract essentials

• Be realistic about SLAs. Overpromising on uptime or response times helps no one
• Set the right contract length. Too short, and you risk constant re-procurement. Too long, and you risk lock in with no room to change if you’re unhappy
• Factor in council resources. Will you need new staff? Can LEVI funding support this?
• Agree who’s responsible. From insurance to vandalism, clear terms prevent disputes later
• Ensure revenue share is fair and attainable. Over promising happens.

Time to Build Your Strategy

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lamppost charging. But with the right preparation and partners, it can be one of the most effective and scalable ways to support EV adoption in your borough.