Skip advert
Advertisement

The electric car charging network continues to discriminate against disabled people

Consumer editor Chris Rosamond thinks the UK’s charging network is still failing to provide for those who struggle to use it

Opinion - disabled drivers

For a couple of billion dollars, we can launch a rocket into space then snatch parts of it from the air on its way back down. Meanwhile, here in the UK, billions of pounds are being committed to the public charging network, yet we can’t make it accessible for disabled people. Something’s not right.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two years after the Department for Transport launched the PAS 1899 accessibility standard for public chargepoints, the reality is that little has changed. There have been improvements, which the chargepoint operators are keen to flag, but nationally, the network continues to discriminate horribly against those that struggle to use it.

Despite making all the right noises on accessibility in opposition, the government refuses to be drawn on whether it believes UK Equality Act laws apply to chargepoint operators and providers today. Instead, the DfT, chargepoint operators and other stakeholders have immersed themselves again in the circular debate about the same old challenges the industry and disabled drivers have discussed for years. 

Listening to Charge UK’s chief exec Vicky Read talking about the challenges raised in the DfT-sponsored PAS 1899 review group meeting earlier this month, felt like waking up on Groundhog Day. Chargepoint providers decided two years ago that they didn’t like the idea of compliance, and ‘opted out’, for just the reasons the group says it is beginning to investigate now. The review aims to report findings some time next year, after which the government says it will deliberate again on the need for regulation.

It’s time to stop talking. Whatever your politics, it seems evident that leaving chargepoint accessibility to the markets has failed. Commercial operators focused on competing for market share, and their investors focused on returns, do not appear to be a recipe for making accessibility happen.

Kicking the issue into the long grass with another review may suit everyone with a stake in delivering the infrastructure, but it doesn’t work for the 2.7 million disabled drivers the Motability Foundation says will be using UK roads by 2035, potentially half of whom could be reliant on the UK’s public chargepoint network.

Do you agree with Chris? Let us know your thoughts on the UK's charging network...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hot new car products: the latest and greatest kit for your car
Osram Night Breaker 220

Hot new car products: the latest and greatest kit for your car

The latest additions to the world of automotive products from floor mats to dash cams...
Product reviews
30 Apr 2025
New Audi TT: electric sports car confirmed for the first time
Audi TT design render (watermarked)

New Audi TT: electric sports car confirmed for the first time

The TT looks set for a sensational comeback thanks to the latest electric technology shared with Porsche
News
16 Apr 2025
Buying a used car? Don’t let shoddy build quality catch you out
Opinion - build quality

Buying a used car? Don’t let shoddy build quality catch you out

Ellis Hyde explains why it’s worth paying extra attention to build quality when you’re choosing your next car
Opinion
10 Apr 2025
Hyundai’s N division isn’t axing petrol hot hatchbacks just yet
Hyundai i20 N - front action

Hyundai’s N division isn’t axing petrol hot hatchbacks just yet

Performance division’s VP says that it’s “not true” that the brand is going EV-only, hinting at hybrid-powered models to come
News
4 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025