Three-quarters of councils in Britain do not have accessible electric car charging points suitable for disabled drivers, according to research conducted by Vauxhall. The car manufacturer found that 75 per cent of local authorities lack devices specifically adapted for accessibility needs or conforming to recognised accessibility standards. This shortage remains despite the number of councils offering accessible on-street charging doubling over the past year.
Vauxhall gathered the data through a Freedom of Information request sent to local councils. Out of 194 local authorities that responded, 49 said they now have on-street charge points that meet accessibility needs. That is up from 24 councils in 2025. These devices are either specifically adapted for disabled motorists or comply with the British Standards Institution PAS 1899:2022 accessible charging standard.
Regional disparities in charging access
The total number of on-street chargers located in disabled parking bays has risen from 105 in 2024 to 245. Currently, an estimated 15 per cent of on-street chargers are specifically adapted for disabled drivers, while 14 per cent conform to PAS 1899:2022 guidance. More than half of the responding councils stated that their charging strategies include considerations for disabled and elderly residents.
Despite these improvements, accessible charging provision remains uneven across the UK. Vauxhall found only 43 accessible on-street chargers in the North West and 14 in Scotland. In contrast, London features 2,131 accessible charge points.
Calls for equal charging infrastructure
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall UK, commented on the findings. "It's encouraging to see the number of councils providing accessible on-street charging nearly double in the last year," Druce said. "This shows growing recognition of the importance of ensuring disabled drivers can access public charging infrastructure."
"However, our latest research shows there is still more work to do," Druce added. "Three-quarters of councils still do not provide chargers that are specifically adapted for disabled drivers or conform to recognised accessibility standards. As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, we need to ensure all motorists can easily find and access charge points if we are to bring everyone on the UK's electrification journey."
Model accessibility in Dundee
Dundee Council in Scotland serves as an example for local authorities seeking to expand accessible charging. In 2024, when just 2 per cent of on-street chargers in Britain met accessibility guidelines, Dundee was a leader among that 2 per cent.
Dundee Council partnered with Swarco E.Connect Smart Charging to design its Clepington Road charging hub with input from disabled drivers and disability charities. Designed to meet BSI PAS 1899:2022 accessibility guidelines, the hub features longer cables, larger spaces, and level access, with no raised plinths or bollards.
