Imagine this: you've made the switch to an electric car, embracing a greener future, only to find yourself in a frustrating, daily battle just to charge it. That's the reality for John Diamond, an 83-year-old resident of Ludlow, Shropshire, who has publicly declared his electric vehicle purchase to be "the stupidest decision I ever made." His experience highlights a growing problem for EV owners: the critical lack of accessible and functional charging infrastructure, even when chargers are physically present.
John acquired his electric car in October 2025, with the hopeful expectation of more economical travel. While Shropshire Council did install charging stations on his street back in 2023, a significant oversight has rendered them largely unusable. Three years later, there are still no signs clearly prohibiting non-electric vehicles from occupying these vital charging bays. As John observes, these spots are frequently taken by conventional petrol or diesel cars, turning his quest for a charge into a game of chance.
"I was led up the path and told everything was going to be fine because I have chargers on my street," John lamented, feeling misled about the ease of EV ownership. The charging points on Mill Street are strategically located near the town center, close to amenities like the market and Ludlow Castle. However, during a recent visit, the bays were indeed occupied by what appeared to be regular combustion engine vehicles.
"They've put in poles for the signs but they just haven't done the signage," John pointed out. He shared that for "most of the day," these charging bays are commandeered by drivers of petrol or diesel cars. For John, securing a charging spot, even just a minute's walk from his home, has become "like playing roulette." He described the situation as "hopeless, absolutely hopeless."
This constant uncertainty means John is perpetually concerned about when he'll be able to power up his vehicle. He invested approximately £1,400 in installing a home charging point, but a major hurdle remains: he doesn't have a driveway. This prevents him from running a charging cable directly to his car. Under the Highways Act 1980, it's prohibited to run cables or wires across public roads or pavements, creating a tripping hazard.
John has been waiting for the council to install a cable gully outside his front door, which would allow him to safely connect his charging cable to his car. He claims the council initially promised this would be completed by January, but the works have been indefinitely postponed. Emails seen by the BBC indicate that the local authority is experiencing "significant internal pressure" and "ongoing financial challenges." In fact, council leaders recently revealed a potential need to borrow nearly £800 million over the next five years to address escalating funding deficits.
This frustrating experience has left John disillusioned with the broader push for electric vehicles. "The whole situation for trying to get people to go green with their cars is a complete misconception," he stated, calling the entire endeavor "a complete farce." He firmly believes that "there is no infrastructure big enough to cope with it" and advises, "if you want peace of mind and satisfaction, don't buy an electric car."
A spokesperson for Shropshire Council acknowledged the concerns regarding the Mill Street chargers. They explained that the units were part of an "early scheme" where the necessary traffic regulations and signage were not finalized. The council's highways and parking teams are currently evaluating options and timelines, with an update promised once the work is complete. Regarding the cable gullies, the spokesperson reiterated the council's financial constraints and stated they are seeking funding from the Department for Transport to move forward with this initiative.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the council's delay a sign of genuine financial hardship, or a symptom of a wider, unaddressed problem in prioritizing EV infrastructure? And this is the part most people miss: John's situation isn't just about one man's inconvenience; it's a stark warning about the readiness of our communities to support the EV transition. What do you think? Are councils doing enough to support EV adoption, or is the current infrastructure a major roadblock? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
