Campaigners are on collision course with the Scottish Government over plans to increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The proposals would see planning rules being relaxed so that more charging points can be installed in a bid to reduce harmful emissions.

However, a charity which encourages “everyday walking” has said the move could pave the way for problems for pedestrians.

Living Streets Scotland warned the removal of some existing planning safeguards could be “a disaster.”

Currently, planning permission is usually required for charging points but new ‘permitted development rights’ could be made available to council chiefs and private companies as part of the biggest change to local streets in a generation.

Living Streets believe planning permission is a vital safeguard, ensuring footway space isn’t lost in housing developments and avoiding the creation of “pinch points” below a 1.5m clearance.

This is the acknowledged minimum space for comfortable passage of a wheelchair or someone being assisted by a guide dog.

The charity believes more work with disabled people is needed to determine the impacts of the proposed changes.

Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “Footways cluttered with EV charging points and trailing cables present serious problems for people with wheelchairs, buggies or guide dogs, preventing them from getting around easily and safely.

“In almost all cases, pavements aren’t suitable for electric chargers .”

The Scottish Government said it is committed to increasing EV capacity and infrastructure and phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to meet “world-leading” climate targets that include a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

A spokesperson added: “The consultation on changes to permitted development rights for electric vehicle infrastructure closed earlier this month.

“Ministers are carefully considering the responses, including whether these non-planning controls are sufficient, before making any final decisions.”