• If you are running a cable across a public walkway, you are often legally responsible for any accidents that occur. To manage this safely and legally, you must consider:
• Council Guidelines: Different local councils have varying rules on portable cable protectors. Always check if your local authority permits cables on pavements.
• Liability & Insurance: Most EV insurance policies cover cable-related incidents only if you have taken "reasonable steps" to mitigate risk, such as using a high-visibility cable ramp.
• Public Accessibility: Under the Equality Act 2010, you must ensure that people using wheelchairs, walking aids, or pushchairs can still navigate the pavement.
• Pro Tip: We recommend choosing a low-profile cable ramp to ensure maximum clearance and accessibility for all pavement users. Our rubber wheelchair ramp for cable protectors can be used in conjunction with the 3 & 5 channel outdoor cable protectors.

Companies are responsible for keeping employees safe by reducing hazards, including the trip hazards caused by cables.

It is essential areas remain accessible to all. Where using cable protectors at events and on pavements it is important to ensure those using walking aids and mobility aids can overcome the cable protectors. We suggest viewing low profile cable ramps.

Section 178 references the importance of gaining consent from the local highway authority prior to placing a cable down whilst section 162 references that you should not cause an obstruction on the highway.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides various guidance around cable management and reducing trip hazards.

• While the UK has seen a massive surge in electric vehicle (EV) ownership, the public infrastructure—particularly in residential areas, is still catching up. This has led many owners to take matters into their own hands by installing home charging points.
• Many electric car owners have privately installed an electric charging point in their home to charge their vehicle. In many instances the cable needs to run from the property over the pavement to the vehicle due to the high number of homes in the UK without driveways.
• If you plan to run your EV charging cable over public land, including pavements, it is important to check your councils guidelines and regulations, consider your liability and ensure the pavement remains accessible to all.
• It is recommended you speak to your local council regarding your EV charging point as different councils have different rules around portable cable protectors. Some local councils do not permit using cables on pavements. In many instances, you will remain liable for any accidents that may occur due to the cable so it is essential the cable is managed safely, for example by seeking a high-visibility cable protector which securely protects the cable.
• As the owner of the cable you, in most instances, will be seen as responsible for ensuring the area remains accessible to all. We advise selecting the lowest possible cable protector height for maximum clearance and, where requires consider selecting a cable ramp which is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters to pass over.
• You may also wish to look into EV insurance and what the policy covers, many insurers do cover injury or damage caused by cables on pavements and roads however you are generally required to take reasonable steps to ensure this does not happen by using cable mats or covers.

• While EV charging is a primary concern for many, our multi-channel protectors are multi-purpose tools for:
• Events: Protecting lighting and sound cables from foot traffic.
• Workplaces: Ensuring compliance with UK Health & Safety regulations during maintenance.
• Warehouses: Shielding heavy-duty power leads for forklifts and machinery.

Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.