Welcome Break South Mimms Services M25

DMUKRoutetoAccessibleEVs

02 Jul 2026

The Route to Accessible EVs #24

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Date of visit: May 2026

Overall Rating

Average

This charging hub is located right in the middle of the motorway service station, which meant we had plenty of options to get food while waiting. We took a look at a few different networks across the site during our stop. The Tesla chargers are sign posted as you enter, but they did not show up on ABRP or on our Tesla in-car map, even though they were listed on Google Maps and had cars actively charging. We tried to charge but couldn’t. Gridserve was located right near the entrance. Interestingly, these bays had originally been designated disabled spaces and still retained their hatch markings. Two out of the four Gridserve units were working and in use, while the other two were completely broken. More bays were being installed next to them but were fully fenced off. The Applegreen app originally showed its own chargers as non-operational when we were researching stops. When we arrived, the stalls were coned off except for a few near the entrance, most of which were in use. As we drove toward them, the workers on site removed the cones from the remaining bays, making them available and other drivers started using them quickly. We initially paid by card but it disconnected after just two minutes, forcing us to set up the app and use that to complete the session instead.

Disabled Access In and Around

The Applegreen spaces are not designated or marked as accessible bays for disabled drivers and they do not meet PAS 1899 requirements because the bays are not wide enough. However, the adjacent Gridserve bays still maintain the spacious layout of their original disabled bays and could easily be reserved as EV disabled chargers, which would likely meet PAS 1899 guidelines. We counted 6 obvious standard disabled bays adjacent to the Gridserve area. The layout contains low-level obstacles including protective bollards and loose unmanaged cables trailing on the ground. Crucially, a minimum clearance path of 1200 mm from the charge unit to the vehicle socket point is not maintained. Operationally, the components are positioned so they can be viewed and reached easily and the physical plug and cable handle height meets compliance standards. The card payment terminal height also meets accessible standards, being positioned between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the ground. However, the main interface screen itself cannot be read easily from a fully seated position.

Parking & Transport

I travelled to this place by personal vehicle

There are 16 bays in total at the Applegreen station. We noticed 4 were in use when we arrived, with more becoming occupied by the end of our session. The chargers provide ultra rapid 330 kW charging speeds. We started our session at 52% battery and reached 100% over 50 minutes. The payment type used was app, though the station also accepts card and RFID options. The software interface does not support multiple language selections on the unit, directing users to the app instead. Each charger features its own attached cable and connector. The lead is very long but the slack system is not secure enough to stop it dragging loosely across the floor. When we went to pull it over to the car, it felt remarkably heavy and required two hands to handle. The connector handle weighs 8.5 kg and removing or replacing it requires a moderate amount of force.

Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging

Accessible Toilets

There are no standalone public facilities right next to the chargers, but the main complex buildings and toilets are available nearby, sitting less than 50 metres away within the service station.

Additional Information

There is no standalone help point or customer assistance option mounted at the units. Our visit took place during daytime but overhead lighting is present across the parking area for night use. No structural shelter or canopy is provided over the charging bays.