Councils demand help on charger accessibility

Local authorities have called for clearer guidance on accessible charger installation amid reports many are struggling to deliver inclusive infrastructure.

More than half (53%) of councils say they face difficulties balancing the need for accessible charge points with physical constraints such as narrow streets and competing resident requirements. This figure rises to 90% among London councils.

Accessible chargers designed to meet the PAS 1899 guidelines require more space around them to make them easier to use, but local authorities say they lack guidance on how to integrate these into their existing road networks.

The latest Local Authority Insight Report from chargepoint operator Believ found that two fifths (42%) of councils nationwide and nearly two-thirds (60%) of London authorities want additional support and guidance from central government on how to deliver accessible chargers.

Ensuring more public chargers are accessible to drivers with disabilities or mobility problems is seen as vital to make the EV transition a reality for all motorists. As part of that, in 2022, the British Standards Institution introduced PAS 1899, a “best-practice” specification that set out minimum requirements for space, layout and ease of use of public devices.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, commented: “Some local authorities are working hard to expand accessible charging provision, but many are facing real-world constraints, particularly where streets are narrow and space is limited.

“Our research shows that local authorities are currently unclear on best practice – this needs to change. While the solutions are not always straight-forward, they are available. So, the answer is not to compromise on inclusion, but to provide the guidance and support councils need to implement accessibility confidently and consistently.

“As the EV transition gathers pace, we must ensure no driver is left behind.”

While councils are keen for more guidance on rolling out accessible chargers, the report also found worrying levels of uncertainty among councils about their own infrastructure plans. Although 60% have or are working on an accessibility plan, 4% are not considering disabled access for EV charging yet, and 37% of those responsible for EV charging infrastructure are not sure whether their networks are working to an accessibility plan.