Road Sign Rules Need Urgent Update for EV Charging
A leading charge point operator is urging the government to modernize the rules surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging signs on public roads. The goal is to enhance the uptake of EVs by making it easier for drivers to find charging locations.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging Network, highlighted the issue in an interview with GB News, stating that the current system lags behind other European countries. “In every major European country, signs for electric refuelling from the main roads are normal. Yet here in the UK, there is still no standard process for applying for EV charging signage, whether on council-adopted roads or national highways.”
He pointed out the impracticality of the present rules. According to Johnston, a large portion of the UK’s over 76,000 public charge points cannot be legally signposted from nearby roads. This restriction limits the visibility of charging options for EV drivers.
Outdated Regulations Limit Signage
One problem is that signs are generally only permitted at motorway service areas if there are also petrol and diesel pumps. Johnston explains that this means EV-only refuelling service areas cannot be signposted. Furthermore, there are strict size rules that can lead to EV chargers being overlooked, even when legally signposted.
This situation has already caused signs to be removed. For example, Osprey Charging had one of its charging signs, which was unbranded, removed in Telford.
Public Support for Better Signage
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 were introduced on November 24, 2023, which aimed to help people easily locate public charging stations, but did not address specific signage.
Public sentiment supports updated signage. Over three-quarters of people believe that EV charging signs should be green to make them stand out. An AA survey also indicated that about half of respondents would feel more confident about switching to an EV if such marked signs were implemented, especially as more public chargers are installed.
The AA has even proposed a ‘green P’ EV charging sign.
Johnston stated, “How are we going to give confidence to would-be EV drivers if we can’t signpost the large, super-fast charging hubs being opened every month? We are aware Department for Transport, National Highways and OZEV are working towards a standard process and criteria, and urgently need to see this deployed.”
A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council told GB News that the removal of the Osprey Charging sign was done in adherence to established national guidelines. They added that the council supports businesses in installing appropriate and approved signage to ensure consistency and safety.
GB News has contacted the Department for Transport for a comment on the future of electric vehicle charging signs.
