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Campaigners such as Tanni Grey-Thompson have raised alarms that those with mobility challenges may be excluded from the move toward electric cars due to charging stations that aren't accessible.

Expanding Network Yet Access Issues

The number of electric vehicle charging points in Britain has been rising fast, with around 17,400 installed in the year to July. However, the absence of regulations means those with disabilities frequently cannot rely on they will be able to access them.

Typical challenges involve high pavements, gravelled areas, touchscreens positioned too high, or leads that are difficult to handle.

Government Steps

Recently, the upper chamber passed an amendment to the planning and development law that would enable officials to enforce accessibility standards on electric vehicle stations.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who secured 11 Paralympic golds across five Games, currently acts as a independent member in the upper house. She often draws attention to shortcomings in transport access, such as a recent incident where she was forced to crawl off a train due to absence of support.

"Those with access needs have been left out of the picture," she remarked. "I've attempted to switch to an electric car a couple of times. It has been extremely difficult."

Sector and Campaigner Perspectives

Vicky Edmonds, said, "There is a present danger countless motorists being locked out from the EV shift. Nearly half of electric car users face issues with public charger access."

She called for the authorities to release updated access guidelines and to take enabling powers to enforce those requirements.

Analysis ordered by the non-profit organization indicates the Britain has up to 1.35 million disabled drivers, with 390,000 unlikely to have home-based EV charging.

Standards and Future Outlook

At present, only 2.3% of chargers comply with the standards established by the British Standards Institution. Attempts to render its standard, known as PAS 1899 easier to meet have slowed down.

Lord Borwick, who tabled the amendment, warned that installing unsuitable chargers today would impact the future and leave disabled drivers with few options when non-electric vehicles are withdrawn from sale after 2035.

"We are likely to see a large number of EV stations without proper access," he said. "It is essential to design for inclusive use from the very beginning."

Nigel Fletcher asserted that charging standards should be be enforced. "It is essential that all public charging operators bear the duty for making sure that their facilities is accessible."

The chief executive of ChargeUK added, "No motorists should be left behind in the transition to electric vehicles, and this encompasses motorists requiring access accommodations."

Official Statement

A Department for Transport official commented, "We are fully committed to ensuring disabled drivers can readily power up their EVs, which is why we commissioned a review into accessibility standards for charge points."

"The review has now concluded, and its findings will be made public in the near future. We remain engaged with industry on how we can improve EV station use for those with disabilities."