Osprey Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) charging firm, has become the first operator to sign up to ChargeSafe, an independent inspectorate of public chargers, in a move to make its infrastructure more accessible.
ChargeSafe plans to inspect charging infrastructure across the whole of the UK and award ratings out of five based on sites’ safety and accessibility.
By subscribing, Osprey will be able to access more detailed information on the reasoning behind its rating. This, it claims, will help it implement more targeted changes to promote accessibility across the network.
ChargeSafe’s 63 criteria were developed according to guidance from disability charity Motability and the upcoming PAS1899 BSI standards for accessible charging.
The rating system was designed to help motorists make more informed charging decisions, and includes safety information on nearby facilities, such as lighting and CCTV cameras.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “We have long been supporters of what ChargeSafe stand for and we’re proud to become the first charging network to subscribe to its thorough, EV charging location rating system.
“We are committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible EV charging for all.
“That means well-lit sites, the best chargers and the ability for wheelchairs and anyone with mobility requirements to have the space and access to charge, pay and enjoy our facilities.
“Working with ChargeSafe means we can ensure that accessibility and safety are prioritised at all of our new sites, whilst giving us the insight to rectify other areas of our network that should be upgraded.”
Osprey’s recent facility at Paisley Pear, which is fitted with eight chargers, was the first of Osprey’s new accessibility-focused hubs to be inspected by ChargeSafe. Its pre-launch score was 4.46/5, which is reportedly the highest rating awarded so far on the UK network.
