Enfield Council has launched a through-pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging channel pilot to make it easier for residents with street parking to move from diesel or petrol cars to electric.

The pilot of the 'Kerbo Charge' system, which is funded by residents, will help improve air quality across the borough and reduce CO2 emissions, in line with the council’s climate action targets for the borough to become cleaner and greener for all who live, work and study within it.

The breakthrough EV charging channels make it possible for residents with street parking, estimated to be 60 per cent of Enfield households, to safely charge their car from their home supply which is

This is estimated to be five to ten times cheaper than using public chargers.

Enfield Council is the first local authority in London to trial the innovative Kerbo Charge technology after successful rollouts in several towns and cities across the UK.

When residents charge their car, they insert their charging cable into the channel and the specially designed lid closes behind, just like a zip. This takes away a potentially dangerous trip hazard that can result from loose cables stretching across public footpaths.

Cabinet member for Transport and Waste at Enfield Council, Cllr Rick Jewell, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kerbo Charge on such a ground-breaking trial which is the first of its kind for a London borough.

“I hope the pilot scheme is a huge success, as it will encourage those thinking of purchasing an EV to do so, as the cost-effective technology will provide residents with a safe and convenient way to charge their vehicles and contribute towards a greener Enfield.”

If the trial proves successful, the Council plans to expand the availability of Kerbo Charge to residents throughout the borough.