Running cables over pavements
We advise you not to run charging cables over the pavement between your vehicle and your home, even using cable protector. It is illegal to cause an obstruction on roads, pavements and footpaths and you may be liable for any resulting damage or injury.
We do not currently permit the installation of pavement channels or gullies to accommodate charging cables. We are aware of trials taking place and are monitoring the outcome for future consideration in developing a policy on the use of cable channels.
Find a charge point
To enable the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), we support the delivery of a public network of EV charging points (EVCPs) across the borough.
Zapmap shows the locations and types of public charge point available in Merton and provides links to further information on current pricing and guidance on registration and use for each operator.
Zap-Map: find a charging point
Prices for public EV charge points
The operator of the EVCP charges a fee to customers, usually based on a price per kilowatt hour. This covers the cost of any electricity used as well as the operational costs for managing and maintaining the chargepoints. Fees for public EVCPs are also subject to VAT at 20%.
The recent market volatility in energy prices, has resulted in significant increases in the unit price of electricity. As a result, many chargepoint operators have had to increase fees to customers to cover the increased cost of electricity.
Rapid chargers (50kw +)
These typically charge an electric vehicle to 80% in around 30 minutes. Merton has 6 on-street rapid chargers operated by ESB and BP Pulse at locations including Wimbledon Broadway and the A24 at Colliers Wood and Morden. There are additional rapid chargers available to for public use within some retail and supermarket car parks.
We are currently working with partners including TfL and neighbouring boroughs to investigate options to increase the number of rapid charge points in Merton.
Source London
There are 143 Source London slow to fast chargers (3kW, 7kW and 22kW) located on-street in high streets and residential areas throughout the borough. A 7kW charger can usually provide a full charge in 3-5hours, and a 22kW unit could complete a charge much faster. Source London offers discounts for taxi drivers and Merton residents with an EV parking permit.
Lamp column charging points
Lamp column charge points are intended mainly for the use of local residents who do not have access to their own off-street parking or EV charging facilities. These type of charge points provide slow charging (approx 5 kW) which is suitable for residents to charge when parking near their home overnight or for long periods.
We installed 90 lamp column chargers around the borough in 2021, operated by Char.gy and SureCharge. We are currently installing at least 500 additional lamp column EVCPs across the borough. Find out more about plans for new lamp column charge points.
Contact us
If you have any comments on existing EV infrastructure please email ElectricVehicles@merton.gov.uk . If you are requesting additional charging infrastructure please provide your full home address including postcode and any suggested location or other information relevant to your requirements, including if you are a Blue Badge holder or taxi driver.
Due to the large volume of requests, we regret that we are not able to provide individual responses but will add all requests to a list for consideration when planning the delivery of future charge points.
In 2023, we will develop a detailed EV charging strategy which will set out how we will deliver the increased amount and type of charging facilities that will be required over the coming decade to meet the growth in EVs.