EV Charging Signage Removed by Council Due to Safety Concerns
One of the UK’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging companies, Osprey Charging, has been compelled to remove signage for a charging hub after a local council voiced safety concerns. Telford and Wrekin Council in Shropshire ordered the removal of roadside signs near Hadley Park, citing potential dangers and a nuisance to road users.
The signs, which advertised Osprey’s charging facilities, featured the standard EV charging logo – a car being plugged in – along with the text “EV Charging” and “Next Left.” These signs were located near the Fallow Field pub in Telford, where Osprey operates a charging hub with eight high-powered chargers capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
Osprey’s operations director, Lewis Gardiner, expressed his deep frustration with the situation. “It is deeply frustrating that it is so difficult to signpost new EV charging facilities from council-controlled roads, even where signs adhere to current regulations,” Gardiner stated. He further emphasized that the removal of the signs “not only hinders EV drivers who rely on clear information to access the charging hub, it stops local businesses and residents realising that there is a re-charging facility on their doorstep that could give them the confidence to switch to electric.”
The council suggested that Osprey could instead pay for advertising space to display information about its charging hub. This move has drawn criticism from the EV industry, with many arguing that it undermines local net-zero goals.
Industry professionals are advocating for a standardized approach to EV charging station signage to increase driver confidence. Data from the AA indicates that 50 percent of drivers support better signage for EVs, particularly along major roads. Other organizations like FairCharge and Instavolt echo these calls, while also highlighting the red tape and planning permission obstacles associated with improved signage.
A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council stated, “There is clear and well-established national guidance regarding what traffic signs can be installed and the Council has a duty to request removal of unauthorised and illegal signage.” The council added that it works with businesses to support the installation of appropriate and approved signage to ensure consistency and safety for all highway users.
