A council is to waive fees to help residents to charge electric vehicles at home.

Bolton has a high proportion of traditional terrace housing, meaning many residents lack the off-street parking normally needed to charge an electric car.

However, emerging contractors such as Kerbo Charge are offering new services which allow motorists to run a cable to their car without obstructing the pavement.

While installation of this kind would normally require home owners to pay for a £565 street works permit, Bolton Council is waiving the fee for a temporary trial basis. The council said they must be notified of any installation and is urging those wishing to install cabling to use reputable contractors only.

The council said residents would be responsible for any damage to the footpath during installation and the life of the cable trough and will need to reinstate the footpath and kerb if it is removed. The cable must be removed when not charging.

The council has also reminded car owners that there is no legal to park directly outside their own property, so there may be times when they are unable to

park close enough to use the charging cable. Coun Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “There are lots of houses in Bolton without off-street parking which has previously limited opportunity for cost effective car charging.

“This solution means there are no dangerous cables across the pavement, and it is far superior to using other types of removable cable ramps. “I’m sure the cost saving on the installation fee will be of great benefit to many residents”.

Further information and guidance for residents can be found on the council website.