Story perspectives

£600,000 EV Surveillance Sparks Controversy, Labour Disavows

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department for Transport (DfT) conducted a £600,000 surveillance study on millions of electric vehicle (EV) drivers via mobile phones.
Initiated under previous Conservative government, the project used O2 and mobile operators to identify EV users by tracking internet history and movements.
The surveillance lasted two years and ended in April 2024.
The Labour government distanced itself from the scheme, calling it a 'bizarre attempt to create a nanny state for motorists'.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Department for Transport (DfT) conducted a £600,000 surveillance study on millions of electric vehicle (EV) drivers via mobile phones.
Initiated under previous Conservative government, the project used O2 and mobile operators to identify EV users by tracking internet history and movements.
The surveillance lasted two years and ended in April 2024.
The Labour government distanced itself from the scheme, calling it a 'bizarre attempt to create a nanny state for motorists'.