Awkward EV Charging
2
2
Date of visit: February 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Poor
These chargers are located at the Stirling Street Car Park, just behind the Galashiels Interchange. There are four bays and two chargers, both of which are challenging to use as a wheelchair user.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Signage is clear and easy to follow, with fresh road markings showing the route through the car park. Accessible parking spaces and EV bays are clearly marked. Nearby crossings have tactile paving on either side of the road. At the time of writing parking with a blue badge is free.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free access to most areas
Parking & Transport
Poor
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Located just next to the bus interchange, a short walk from Galashiels railway station and on a local bus route, there are plenty of ways to get here though it’s probably best to come by car. The car park has forty standard parking spaces, 2 accessible parking spaces and 4 electric vehicle spaces. The accessible parking spaces have hatched markings to the left of the first bay and between both spaces. There are no markings to the right of the second bay, which borders a low pavement. Both bays have a section at the end for rear loading vehicles. The four EV spaces are on an incline and are no larger than standard parking bays - presenting the risk of being blocked in.. There are two different styles of charger, with each serving two bays. The first two bays are served by a large charging unit. The terminal is installed on a raised section set on grass with bollards at the front, both of which have large signs that limit access even further. The cables are difficult to reach from a seated position and the card reader is located on the side of the machine. There is a small paved section to the left of the machine, but it is awkward to access if you cannot walk around. This unit supports CHAdeMO 50 kW, CCS 50 kW and Type 2 22 kW charging and cables are provided. The second charger is a short circular unit, also raised up and set back on grass with a perimeter rail. The card reader is on top of the unit, which is again difficult to reach from street level. This second unit supports Type 2 22 kW charging. Cables are not provided, which adds an extra challenge for those with mobility aids. The transport links are great but the EV spaces are typical of those found across the UK.
Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging, Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
There are no toilets at this venue but the interchange has accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet.
Staff
This venue is not staffed.
