Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Part One of the National Disability Strategy published 28 July 2021, what work his Department has carried out to date with consumer groups and charge point operators to set clear accessibility standards for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The Government is committed to ensuring an accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging network and that inclusively designed chargepoints are available for all consumers.

That is why we are partnering with national disability charity Motability to commission the British Standards Institution (BSI) to develop accessibility standards for public EV chargepoints across the country. These standards – to be finalised by summer 2022 – are being developed in collaboration with consumer groups, chargepoint operators and other stakeholders and will provide a new, clear definition of accessibility for public EV chargepoints. Guidance will consider aspects such as kerb height, cable weight, adequate space between bollards and chargepoints being of a height suitable for wheelchair users. It will also consider chargepoints in the context of their surrounding built environment to ensure pedestrians and other road users’ needs are reflected.

We have also consulted on introducing accessibility requirements at EV chargepoints via the Future of Transport Regulatory Review consultation. The consultation closed on 22nd November.