Arriva London required a 3.0 MVA interim timed HV connection at their Tottenham Bus Garage to support new electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. UK-ICP delivered the substation design, RMU, AMU, HV metering, earthing, and associated civil works under adoption by Aurora Utilities, with UKPN completing the non-contestable connection and energisation.
Arriva London proposes the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at their Tottenham Bus Garage, requiring an available electrical capacity of 3.0 MVA (interim timed connection, with final capacity TBC) to accommodate both existing operational loads and anticipated EV charger demand.
Environmental searches confirmed the depot is at low risk of flooding from rivers, sea, and surface water. The site lies within a Source Protection Zone II (Outer Protection Zone) but no statutory designations such as SSSI, AONB, or Scheduled Monuments were identified. These findings allowed works to proceed without additional ecological mitigation measures, though environmental compliance remained a key consideration throughout.
The project was delivered within a live, fully operational bus garage. This required close daily coordination with Arriva’s depot management team to avoid disruption to fleet movements and maintenance activities. Restricted working hours were observed during peak depot traffic, and safe pedestrian and vehicle routes were maintained at all times. Material storage and plant access were carefully planned within the constrained depot footprint to ensure safety and operational continuity.
Cable laying and trenching extended into the public highway, triggering the need for Section 50 licensing, temporary traffic lights, and NRSWA-compliant traffic management. The urban setting introduced additional risks, including proximity to schools, fibre optic networks, overhead lines, and multiple buried utilities. These risks were mitigated by carrying out CAT scans, trial holes, and phased excavation. Banksmen, Chapter 8 barriers, and signage were deployed to maintain safe public and workforce separation.
A desktop assessment under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) 2002 deemed the integral substation low risk for interference or vandalism. Nevertheless, the substation design incorporated secure 24-hour access, visibility, and protective measures. Works generated noise, vibration, and dust typical of urban construction, which were managed through restricted noisy hours, dust suppression measures, and proactive community liaison. Emergency planning included identification of the nearest A&E facility — North Middlesex University Hospital, 2.8 miles away — as part of the project’s health and safety procedures.
The project successfully delivered a 3.0 MVA timed HV connection at Arriva’s Tottenham Bus Garage, complete with a new integral substation, HV metering facilities, and full compliance with UKPN and IDNO standards. Despite the challenges of working within a live operational depot and along public highways, the scheme was completed with minimal disruption. The site is now fully prepared to support the ongoing electrification of Arriva’s London bus fleet and contributes to the capital’s wider zero-emission transport goals.
