A leading charge point operator boss has called on the Government to urgently introduce new rules to formalise rules around electric vehicle charging signs on public roads to help the uptake of EVs flourish further.
Osprey Charging had one of its electric vehicle charging signs in Telford, despite being unbranded and containing information on the nearest charging station near Hadley Park.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging Network, spoke to GB News about the situation and what needs to change to ensure drivers are able to have confidence in the public charging infrastructure.
He highlighted that the majority of the UK’s more than 76,000 public charge points cannot be legally signposted in any way from any nearby public roads.
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Osprey Charging has called for clarification around EV charging signage rules
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A signs is only permitted on motorway servicee signs if certain requirements are met, including the regulation that there are also petrol and diesel pumps.
Osprey Charging noted that this means an EV-only refuelling service area cannot be signposted. Strict signage size rules also apply, meaning EV chargers could be overlooked.
Johnston said: “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.
“In fact, due to outdated rules, EV charge points can currently only be officially signposted where there are also petrol pumps, at a services. Consumers need to see it to believe it.”
The EV charging sign was removed from this roundabout in Telford
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The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 guidance was rolled out on November 24, 2023, and called for changes to be made to ensure consumers can easily locate the right public charge point to fit their needs.
While this did not contain details about what signage would be suitable, it is hoped that the Department for Transport will unveil clear guidance on the standardisation of charging signs.
The Traffic Signs (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations and General Directions 2011 outlines that the sign can contain information about who can park there, any times, arrows, dates and months, as well as the name of the traffic authority and permit identifiers.
Through requirements included in the TSRGD, it “seems possible (though not clear)” to put an EV charging symbol on signage at the local level for small town or village centre facilities, although only if a petrol pump is present.
It comes as public support for suitable charging signs grows, with more than three-quarters of people saying that these signs should be green to help EV signs stand out more than others.
Around half of the people involved in a recent AA survey said this would give them more confidence to switch to an electric vehicle, especially as more public chargers are installed.
The latest data from Zapmap shows there are 75,675 publicly-accessible devices around the UK, with Osprey Charging providing 1,229 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, making it the fourth-largest provider of these devices.
Johnston continued, saying: “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?
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“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 was approached for a comment.
GB News has contacted the Department for Transport for a comment on the future of electric vehicle charging signs.
