UK Transport Watchdog Urges Government to Improve EV Charging Access

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A recent report has shed light on a pressing issue within England’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure: the significant oversight of disabled drivers. The findings, published by the independent watchdog Transport Focus, reveal that there are currently no EV chargers on England’s motorways or major A-roads that meet voluntary standards for accessible charging. This alarming gap in the charging network could leave many disabled motorists without the necessary support to transition to electric vehicles, a move that is crucial for the country’s zero emissions targets.

The report, titled Plugging The Gap: The Need to Improve the EV Charging Experience, highlights the urgent need for accessible charging options in order to prevent a growing number of disabled individuals from being excluded from the benefits of electric vehicle ownership. Many disabled users require confidence in the charging network, particularly because a substantial proportion of homes are not equipped for the installation of home chargers.

Despite the UK Government’s ambitious push towards zero emissions vehicles, including the introduction of a ZEV mandate, the lack of accessible charging infrastructure persists. Since the guidelines were introduced in 2022 to establish accessibility standards for charge points, these guidelines remain voluntary, and drivers with disabilities continue to face significant barriers. Common issues include inadequate space for manoeuvring or exiting vehicles, raised kerbs, obstructive plinths and bollards near charge points, and poorly located equipment in relation to other motorway facilities. The complexity of handling the charging equipment itself further complicates the experience for disabled users.

Transport Focus is now urging the Government to articulate a clear plan for how and when an accessible EV charging infrastructure will be rolled out across the country. The watchdog has made several key requests that aim to ensure the needs of disabled drivers are met comprehensively:

• An immediate focus on delivering accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure across England’s motorways and major A-roads.
• An exploration by the government into the potential for mandatory regulation of accessibility standards to guarantee better outcomes for disabled drivers.
• A commitment to ensuring that accessible electric vehicle charging standards are not only tailored to meet disabled users’ needs but are also straightforward for providers to interpret and implement.
• A robust monitoring system to track outcomes and maintain collaboration for continuous improvement.
• Addressing immediate gaps in the accessibility of existing electric vehicle charge points.

Louise Collins, director at Transport Focus, expressed concern over the current state of EV charging for disabled motorists: “Disabled motorists should be able to feel secure in the knowledge that they can easily charge their electric vehicle independently on the country’s motorway network. If we don’t tackle this swiftly, some disabled people could be left behind, unable to drive electric vehicles and potentially excluded from the road network altogether.”

Collins emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “The time to act is now, and we need confidence that there is a plan that will genuinely deliver this. We are working with government to explore the role regulation could play in a longer-term solution with mandatory standards and for charge point providers to deliver more immediate improvements.”

Graham Footer, chief executive of Disabled Motoring UK, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are expecting disabled people to transition to and use EVs without a charging infrastructure that supports them. We need a robust plan that meets users’ needs and gives them the confidence to travel in their EV. A clearer framework, supported by regulation, would help charge point providers prioritise accessibility.”

Paul Comer, director of EV implementation at Roadchef, added that a consistent, nationwide approach, bolstered by a stronger regulatory framework, could significantly accelerate progress and instil greater confidence among customers. “We recognise the importance of establishing a standardised approach to accessibility in charging infrastructure,” he said.

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, highlighted the critical nature of an accessible public charging system: “Ensuring a public charging system that is accessible to all is essential if we are to bring everyone with us on the transition to electric driving. With the charging network growing at an accelerated pace, it is vital that the Government publishes its revised accessibility standards—this will make delivering accessible charge points easier. All drivers should be able to choose EVs with the confidence that they will be able to use the charging system wherever and whenever they need to.”

While some charge point operators are making strides to bridge accessibility gaps, the inconsistency across the network fails to provide the assurance needed for disabled individuals who wish to travel confidently. To comply with the PAS 1899:2022 accessibility standards, charging bays must meet specific size requirements and include hatching around each bay to accommodate vehicles adapted for disabled users. Furthermore, all plinths and bollards should be removed to ensure level access to the charging point.

Transport Focus is committed to collaborating with the industry to implement changes that are practical, sustainable, and beneficial for all users. The report on Plugging The Gap: The Need to Improve the EV Charging Experience is available online for those interested in learning more about this crucial issue.

As we move towards a greener future, it is essential that all drivers, regardless of ability, can participate fully in the electric vehicle revolution. The time for action is now; ensuring that our EV charging infrastructure is accessible is not just a necessity—it is a moral obligation. Let us work together to ensure that no one is left behind in this vital transition.