Drivers told how to beat Andy Burnham’s new October driveway rule change
Drivers told how to beat Andy Burnham’s new October driveway rule change EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham has introduced a major driveway rule update in October that isn't good news for road users without a driveway, but experts have already found a way to save costs. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 06:01, Sat, Oct 17, 2026 Andy Burnham has introduced new driveway rules this October (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham’s new driveway rule change has come into effect in October, but not all drivers are not feeling the benefit of extra VAT price savings. The Prime Minister slashed VAT rates on domestic electricity at the beginning of October, with the move having a knock-on effect for electric car owners across the UK. VAT rates on domestic electricity were cut from 5% to 0% from October 1 in a move that experts previously suggested could save EV owners £40 per year. However, motorists without access to a driveway or off-street charging are still forced to pay the hefty 20% VAT rates , with the so-called “driveway divide” increasing this Autumn. Motorists topping up at home pay around 7p per kWh to charge their vehicles, with those using public plugs paying closer to 50p per kWh. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, has now revelaed that drivers could save on the extra costs by lending their EV to a family or friend. Asking loved ones or friends to chip in for electricity is absolutely fine and could be an easy way to recoup some of the lost money from costly public charging. Speaking exclusively to The Express, Jake said: "For motorists without a driveway, the VAT gap on public charging is a real extra cost. But for people who only use their EV occasionally, lending it to family or friends is one way to help each other out. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . "If you lend your electric car to a friend or family member, it's generally fine for them to chip in towards the electricity they use, as long as it covers no more than the actual cost of the charge and isn’t a way of making money from the car.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Some friends or family members may also have access to home charging facilities and can top-up the battery before dropping it off. Many brand new homes in England and Scotland are now fitted with 7kW smart EV chargepoints and will be much cheaper than using public bays. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Older drivers above the age of 70 will absolutely love this one pensioner-friendly Ford Andy Burnham new October driveway rule ‘unfair’ as UK drivers paying ‘tax premium’ VAT rates were cut on domestic electricity, but those using public plugs have missed out (Image: Getty) Community driveway-sharing apps suhc as CoCharger and JustCharge allow motorists without access to a driveway to use domestic plugs. Public chargers can also be cheaper at off-peak hours, while some areas also have free charging points. However, Jake has warned motorists could still forget one crucial rule when handing over the keys to their EV. He told The Express: “They'll still need to be insured for the trip, so it's worth making sure that's in place before they set off, for example with temporary EV cover for just the time they're using the car." Andy Burnham Electric cars Driveway Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments