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Resources for local authorities on electric vehicle chargepoints

Lamp column charging

  1. Benefits and challenges
  2. Payments and tariffs
  3. Distribution Network Operators
  4. PAS 1899 compliant chargers

Lamp column, or lamppost chargers, are electric vehicle (EV) chargers that are attached to street lighting columns. This can be either through a dedicated electricity supply or from the column’s own supply.

There are several established chargepoint operators (CPOs) that provide lamp column charging solutions.

Benefits

  • Can be retrofitted to existing lamp columns, reducing street clutter.
  • Installation is quick, they’re easy to relocate, and planning time is short.
  • Low-cost technology means no electricity grid upgrades are needed.
  • Columns are already found on residential streets where on-street charging is needed.
  • Suitable to be used in conservation areas as they are less visually intrusive.

Challenges

  • Charge rate is slower than alternatives, at an average of 5kW.
  • Restricted to current lamppost locations and lamp column types. There can also be restrictions on the wiring of the lamp column that may mean they are unsuitable for a charger.
  • Alterations may be needed, dependent on the location of the lamp columns. For example, satellite bollards may be needed to extend reach or to go alongside heritage lampposts. Also, cross-pavement gulleys will be needed for lampposts at the pavement backline.
  • The orientation, size, position and dimensions of the lamppost door may affect whether a charger may be fitted.
  • May require parking restrictions to be applied to allow for a dedicated charging bay.

Payments and tariffs

Users pay for charger use through the chargepoint operators’ mobile phone app or website via QR codes. Users must bring their own charging cable.

Some operators also offer smart charging options with lower tariffs during off peak times and overnight.

Distribution Network Operators

Distribution network operators (DNOs) suggest that lamp column chargers:

  • can help balance the grid
  • reduce potential excavation costs
  • avoid the need to build new electricity networks

Your local DNO may have different requirements for installing lamp column chargers in your area. This might include earthing standards that dictate suitable distances from other street lighting or metallic street furniture.

We strongly recommend contacting your DNO before installing any chargepoints. As well as checking specific requirements, they’ll also want to add you to their unmetered suppliers inventory.

PAS 1899 compliant chargers

PAS 1899 covers accessible electric vehicle charge points for those with diverse accessibility needs.

Where PAS 1889 compliance is needed, consideration should be given to the height of the installation and the surrounding built environment. One consideration is looking out for dropped kerbs and bay sizes.

Local authority lamp column charging projects

Last updated: 14 April 2025