Prioritising Public Safety – Why Gul-e’s Lidless Design Matters

As the use of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, innovative charging solutions like the Gul-e cross pavement system have become essential for homes without driveways. Designed with inspiration from traditional drainage channels long used across UK pavements, Gul-e has provided a reliable and integrated solution for several years.

Prioritising Public Safety and Accessibility

From its inception, safety and accessibility have been at the heart of Gul-e’s design. The system features a fixed, flush-fitting structure without loose or raised elements, removing the need for a lid mechanism and significantly reducing the risk of trip hazards. It is also accessible for users with limited mobility and can be operated with one hand, supporting inclusive access for all residents.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Recently, concerns have been raised suggesting that the EV cable slot might pose a risk to high-heeled footwear, such as stilettos. We welcome all feedback and are committed to addressing safety queries with transparency and evidence.

What The Data Shows

In 2023, we submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to 62 UK councils to investigate trip hazard claims involving drainage channels and pavement conditions. The results were clear:

• Shoe heel stuck in a drainage channel (last five years): 6 claims.

• Claims successfully repudiated: 6.

• Damaged pavement-related claims (2017–2022): 15,955*.

*According to legal standards, a pavement defect (including anything sticking up from pavement level) must exceed 2.5cm to be considered a legitimate trip hazard and worth pursuing as a claim.

No Evidence Gul-e Poses a Safety Risk

To date, there is no evidence to suggest that the Gul-e unit presents a safety risk. Its design is consistent with established public infrastructure standards that have been safely used across the UK for decades. The limited number of similar incidents reported—and their full repudiation—supports the safety of Gul-e’s design in real-world conditions.

Understanding Legal Definitions of Pavement Hazards

According to Legal Expert, a pavement irregularity must generally exceed 2.5cm (approximately one inch) before it is considered a potential legal hazard: “A trip hazard of less than one inch (2.5cm) would not typically be enough to warrant immediate repair. If it exceeds that, and results in injury, a claim may be possible.”

Conclusion

We remain committed to ensuring Gul-e remains a safe, accessible, and practical solution for EV charging in residential areas. With thousands of units installed and no supported claims of injury, Gul-e continues to meet the high safety standards expected of UK public infrastructure.

For further questions, please contact gul-e@odsgroup.co.uk