Pavements threatened by electric car revolution

author: FutureCar Staff    

Charities have raised concerns about the potential dangers that could arise from the electric car revolution. According to campaigners, the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road could result in pavements becoming hazardous for pedestrians. The National Federation of the Blind UK (NFBUK) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) have called on the government to address this safety issue. They argue that without a proper solution, there could be a rise in accidents related to tripping over electric vehicle charging cables, which could deter blind individuals from going outside. Since around 40% of homes do not have access to a driveway or garage, EV owners would need to run cables across public pavements to charge their cars, potentially turning them into obstacle courses.

In response to these concerns, the Mail is urging the government to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2030. This would provide more time to find a solution to the safety risks associated with electric vehicle charging cables. Sarah Leadbetter, a registered blind individual from Narborough, Leicestershire, shared her personal experience of the challenges posed by EV cables. She mentioned that her guide dog often stops when encountering these cables, making it difficult for her to navigate. The increasing number of electric cars worries her, as it limits her ability to go out and carry out daily activities such as taking the bus or going shopping.

Sarah Gayton of NFBUK highlighted the potential dangers that charging cables pose to blind and visually impaired individuals. She described pavements as becoming "a minefield," with the risk of white canes getting tangled or people tripping over the cables, potentially leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Rebecca Guy of Rospa suggested that local planning authorities should encourage EV owners to use public charge points instead of running cables from their homes to their vehicles.

In response to these concerns, a spokesman from the Department for Transport stated that local authorities are responsible for managing trip hazards and must take into account the needs of disability groups when determining the location and operation of charge points.

FutureCar Staff