The UK government has introduced a new amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, giving it powers to mandate accessibility measures at public electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
The amendment was originally tabled by Conservative Peer Lord Borwick and has now expanded upon by the incumbent government.
It gives ministers the power to mandate accessibility standards across all new public EV charging points, should voluntary progress by the industry remain too slow.
This has been done to ensure that EV charging points are friendly and safe to use including by drivers with disabilities.
The recommendations follow a year-long review and consultation by government with industry stakeholders and consumer and disability groups to identify improvements that would make delivery of the standard easier and more consistent.
The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill grant government powers to mandate compliance with PAS 1899 in future, if accessibility concerns persist.
It also requires place requirements on all parties involved in the installation of charging points and requires installers to report accessibility-related data.
The PAS 1899 amendment was first published in 2022 as a voluntary standard, but it is estimated only 3 charging sites in the whole of the UK currently fully comply with the standard.
CEO of EVA England, Vicky Edmonds, said: “This is huge progress for all drivers, especially those with disabilities.
“For the first time, we have the government’s assurance that accessibility won’t be left to chance. These enabling powers will also incentivise greater action by industry to roll out accessible charging.
“I would like to thank Lord Borwick and Sir Jeremy Wright for championing this cause and ensuring its inclusion in the Bill, and to thank the government for expanding upon Lord Borwick’s amendment to provide essential future safeguards for the safety, reliability and user-friendliness of public EV charging.
“EVA England has long supported this ambition, and we’re proud to see such decisive action taken to ensure the public charging network works for everyone.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
