Local authorities are asking for clearer guidance on accessible charger installation as reports show many councils struggle to deliver inclusive EV infrastructure.
More than half of councils say they face difficulties balancing accessible charge points with physical constraints like narrow streets and competing resident needs. This figure jumps to 90% among London councils.
Accessible chargers designed to meet PAS 1899 guidelines need more space around them for easier use. But local authorities say they lack guidance on integrating these into existing road networks.
Councils Want Government Support
The latest Local Authority Insight Report from chargepoint operator Believ found that 42% of councils nationwide want additional support from central government. Nearly two-thirds of London authorities feel the same way.
Making public chargers accessible to drivers with disabilities is seen as vital for the EV transition. The British Standards Institution introduced PAS 1899 in 2022 as a best-practice specification. It sets minimum requirements for space, layout and ease of use of public charging devices.
Guy Bartlett, Believ’s CEO, said some local authorities work hard to expand accessible charging provision. But many face 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.”
Bartlett emphasized that the answer isn’t to compromise on inclusion. Instead, councils need guidance and support to implement accessibility confidently and consistently.
“As the EV transition gathers pace, we must ensure no driver is left behind,” he said.
Planning Uncertainty Remains High
The report found concerning levels of uncertainty among councils about their own infrastructure plans.
While 60% have or are working on an accessibility plan, 4% aren’t considering disabled access for EV charging yet. Another 37% of those responsible for EV charging infrastructure aren’t sure whether their networks are working to an accessibility plan.
This uncertainty comes as councils face increasing pressure to expand EV infrastructure while meeting accessibility requirements. The competing demands of narrow urban streets and inclusive design create challenges that many authorities haven’t fully addressed.
The findings highlight a gap between policy intentions and practical implementation at the local level.
