More than half of UK local authorities are finding it difficult to make public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure accessible to disabled drivers, according to new research from charge point operator Believ.
The company's Local Authority Insight Report, which surveyed 101 councils, found that 53% cite balancing accessibility needs with limited street space as problematic. The figure jumps to 90% among London boroughs, where narrow streets and competing demands make inclusive design particularly challenging.
With 1.35 million disabled drivers in the UK, campaigners warn that gaps in provision could leave vulnerable motorists behind as EV adoption accelerates. Currently, 4% of councils are not yet considering disabled access in their charging plans.
Believ CEO Guy Bartlett is calling on central government to issue clearer guidance, arguing that accessible charging should become ‘standard, not exceptional’ across the country.
He added: ‘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.’
