To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans he has to ensure that homeowners without a driveway can charge their electric vehicles from home.

Over 80% of houses in the North have access to off street parking. In these situations, charging solutions are already available. However, for those who rely on on-street parking at their homes, home charging solutions are more problematic, primarily due to the issue of the charging cable needing to cross the footway.

My officials are engaging with colleagues in other jurisdictions to evaluate the benefits of a number of pilot schemes being progressed in relation to cross pavement charging solutions. Engagement is also taking place with key stakeholders and the Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), which has recently announced the availability of grants for on street charging solutions.

Guidance for applicants, local councils and Highway Authorities is currently being prepared by OZEV and my officials are considering how that guidance can be adapted to meet specific legislative arrangements here. Once available, this guidance will be used to assess if installations at particular locations can satisfy the conditions of the grant. Legislative arrangements contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 detail where a street works licence is required to facilitate the safe channelling or suspension of a cable. This legislation is in place to protect public health and safety and to address ownership and liability issues.

Due to the calling of a General Election the finalised guidance document from OZEV will be delayed. In the interim, my officials will continue to explore how legislative requirements can be satisfied and engage with stakeholders regarding charging solutions for those without a driveway.