The rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure is accelerating, but delivery on the ground has often been slowed by process rather than intent. Street works permits, licensing routes, and unclear responsibilities have created friction for organisations installing EV charge points.
New guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT) aims to address this. It provides clarity on how Electric Vehicle Charge Point Operators (EVCPOs) should operate within the street works framework – and crucially, confirms their position alongside traditional utilities.
For organisations involved in EV infrastructure, this marks a meaningful shift.
EVCPOs Recognised as Statutory Undertakers
One of the most significant updates is that EVCPOs can now be treated as statutory undertakers when carrying out street works.
In practical terms, this means:
- EVCPOs can apply directly for street works permits
- They no longer need to rely on third-party arrangements to access the highway
- The process aligns more closely with how utilities such as water, gas and telecoms operate
This change removes a layer of complexity that has historically slowed EV charge point deployment.
For contractors and operators, it creates a more consistent and scalable delivery model, particularly for large rollout programmes.
Moving Away from Section 50 Licences
Alongside this update, the DfT has also clarified the role of Section 50 (S50) street works licences.
S50 licences are typically used by organisations that are not statutory undertakers, allowing them to carry out specific works on the highway.
The updated guidance makes it clearer that:
- S50 licences should still be used in certain scenarios
- However, they are not always the most appropriate route for EV infrastructure deployment
- Activities such as recessed cabling through pavements may still fall under S50 depending on the work being carried out
The key takeaway is that there is now clearer distinction between when to use:
- Street works permits (via statutory undertaker status)
- Section 50 licences (for specific or limited works)
This clarity reduces ambiguity for both operators and local authorities.
What This Means for EV Infrastructure Rollout
For organisations delivering EV charge points, these changes are likely to have a direct operational impact.
Faster Approvals
With the ability to apply for permits directly, EVCPOs can streamline planning and reduce delays associated with third-party applications.
More Consistent Processes
Aligning EV charge point works with existing utility frameworks creates a more standardised approach across regions and authorities.
Improved Scalability
For large-scale rollout programmes, reducing administrative friction makes it easier to deliver projects at pace.
Clearer Compliance Expectations
With defined guidance, organisations can better understand their responsibilities and ensure works are carried out in line with regulations.
A Shift Towards Utility-Style Operations
This update reflects a broader trend: EV infrastructure is increasingly being treated like core utility infrastructure.
As charge point networks expand, the expectation is that operators will:
- Plan works in coordination with other utilities
- Comply with permit schemes and noticing requirements
- Maintain accurate records of works and reinstatement
- Demonstrate compliance with local authority requirements
For many organisations, this represents a shift from ad-hoc installation projects to structured, utility-style operations.
Operational Challenges Still Remain
While the guidance simplifies access to permits, delivery on the ground still comes with challenges.
Organisations must manage:
- Permit applications and approvals across multiple authorities
- Coordination with other street works and road users
- Scheduling field teams and contractors
- Ensuring compliance with noticing and timing requirements
- Maintaining accurate records for audit and reporting
Without the right systems in place, these processes can still become fragmented.
How Depotnet Supports EV Charge Point Delivery
As EV infrastructure begins to follow the same operational model as utilities, having the right systems becomes increasingly important.
Depotnet supports organisations delivering street works by providing:
Centralised Permit Management
Manage permit applications, track approvals and maintain visibility across all works in one place.
Real-Time Coordination
Ensure field teams are aligned with approved works, timings and conditions.
Compliance Tracking
Maintain clear records of notices, permits and work activity to support audits and reporting.
Improved Visibility
Gain a complete view of planned and ongoing works across regions and teams.
Scalable Operations
Support growing EV rollout programmes with structured, repeatable processes.
Enabling the Next Phase of EV Infrastructure
The DfT’s updated guidance removes a key barrier to EV charge point deployment by aligning operators more closely with established utilities.
By enabling EVCPOs to operate as statutory undertakers, the process becomes more straightforward, more consistent and better suited to large-scale delivery.
However, as deployment accelerates, organisations will need to ensure their operational processes evolve alongside regulatory changes.
Those that adopt structured, digitally supported approaches to street works and permit management will be best positioned to deliver EV infrastructure efficiently and at scale.
EV Charge Point Street Works FAQs
As guidance evolves and EV infrastructure rollout accelerates, organisations are facing new questions around permits, licensing routes and operational responsibilities. The introduction of statutory undertaker status for EVCPOs and clearer direction on Section 50 licences has helped remove some uncertainty, but there are still important distinctions to understand. Below are answers to some of the most common questions around EV charge point street works and compliance.
