New road signs could be introduced in the near future to help drivers adjust to electric vehicles following concerns about EV charging notices.
The Department for Transport has published an update on a major trial which took place that could see new electric vehicle signs rolled out across the UK.
The trial looked at the effectiveness of three potential symbols. One was derived from the existing “petrol pump” symbol, the second was a front view of a car with a standard three-pin plug and the third had a “lightning bolt” wire.
All three of the signs had two variations either green on a white background or white with a black or blue background.
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The updated guidance could see new traffic rules introduced soon
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More than 1,100 people across England took place in the experiment, which included their opinions and in-depth interviews taking place.
The research found that drivers reported issues and benefits with all three of the signs for varying issues, with the general consensus being against the petrol pump derivative.
Respondents said it was too easily confused with the symbol for a petrol station, especially when passing by the sign at speed.
The “lightning bolt” also met with difficulties because interviewees likened the “flash” to fascist imagery, making it unsuitable for the road.
Research found this was too similar to a petrol station sign
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Some suggested that a side-on view of a car is more quickly and easily interpreted than a head-on view, with the three-pin socket also helping drivers interpret the view.
The research found that a green version of one of the two “car” symbols would be the most suitable. If the “flash” symbol were to be used, the Department for Transport said it would require minor modifications.
One non-EV driver said the socket and plug helped take away any doubt that the station was specifically for electric cars, rather than the “petrol pump” image.
However, another stated: “It’s a three-pin charging point. People would assume they’re not fast 7kw charging because it’s like the granny chargers.”
The plug design was met with mixed responses
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
The report concluded: “In summary, this research suggests that the green pump-and-flash symbol will be interpreted accurately by the smallest portion of the population but that the green, car-based symbols stand out better in crowded contexts and are most accurately recalled after repeated viewings.
“Improvements should be considered to whichever of the two car-based symbols is selected for use on motorway service stations signs and directional road signs.”
There have been issues with electric vehicle charging signs in recent months, most recently with the removal of an Osprey Charging sign in Telford which was removed because of fears around “safety”.
Speaking to GB News, Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said the situation highlighted that changes needed to be introduced to ensure drivers could have the confidence to switch to an EV.
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Respondents said the “flash” was similar to fascist iconography
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
He added: “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.”
A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council told GB News that there are “clear and well-established national guidance” regarding where traffic signs can be installed.
