LEADERS of the Scottish electric vehicle community are calling for signposting of all charge points.
The Electric Vehicle Association Scotland says councils and private providers need to ensure chargers are much easier to locate to help the increasing numbers of EV owners now on the roads.
The demand for urgent action follows a significant rise in complaints received by EVA Scotland about the lack of proper signposting to show where charge points are.
EVA Scotland director Neil MacLennan said: “It is clear that EV owners are finding it difficult to locate exactly where many charging facilities are situated. An app and a map on a mobile phone are not enough.
“It should also not be assumed that all EV owners have smartphones or internet access and, therefore, clear and accurate signage on roads approaching charge points and stations is essential.
“Electric vehicles are now firmly established in the mainstream of Scottish motoring, with sales rising rapidly in the last 12 months.”
EVA Scotland says it welcomes the efforts of Transport Scotland, local authorities and private charging providers to accelerate their installation programmes in response to the uptake by the public of electric cars.
Mr MacLennan added: “Most of the country’s councils and other EV charge point operators have reacted positively, responding by increasing the provision of chargers across the nation.
“The Scottish Government, in its recent Vision statement, promised to vastly increase the number of charge points around the country. But all of these need to be properly signposted to help drivers find them while on the road.
“Currently, there are more than 2500 EV charge points installed across Scotland and the numbers are increasing at a rate of approximately 400 every month, which is encouraging. However, these must be accurately signposted.”
Following changes in March, motorists are now breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel in almost all circumstances.
This includes accessing an app or the internet, taking photos or videos, scrolling through music playlists, using streaming services, or playing games – as the UK Government closed a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction.
Mr MacLennan concluded: “It is essential that adequate on-the-road signage is put in place for every charge point in every location throughout Scotland. We will be having discussions with Scotland’s local authorities and charge point operators on this issue.”
● EVA Scotland is a community interest company that aims to represent the interests of electric vehicle users north of the Border and promote switching among non-EV motorists. Visit www.eva.scot to find out more.
