Electric vehicle drivers across the UK are being issued with hefty fines for incorrectly using dedicated charging bays, with a sharp rise in complaints about blocked spaces.
The Cost of Confusion
Neil Hutchinson from the car servicing firm Mercury Car Centre has highlighted a growing issue of confusion among motorists. Many drivers mistakenly view EV charging bays as convenient parking spots, particularly in supermarket and retail car parks, leading to an increasing number of penalties.
He stated that these spaces serve a single purpose: charging. Parking in one without actively plugging in your vehicle is a breach of the rules and can result in a financial penalty.
Enforcement and Penalties
In response to the problem, both local authorities and private car park operators have significantly increased enforcement. Drivers caught misusing a space can receive a Penalty Charge Notice of around £70 from councils, or a private Parking Charge Notice ranging from £50 to £100.
The rules are strict. Enforcement officers do not need to prove your car was capable of charging, only that it was not connected to the unit. A vehicle sitting in a bay without a cable plugged in is sufficient grounds for a ticket.
Furthermore, some charging networks implement overstay charges, applying a fee if a driver remains in the bay after their vehicle has finished charging.
A Matter of Courtesy and Common Sense
Hutchinson emphasised that the issue extends beyond just fines. Charging bays are the electric equivalent of a petrol pump. You would not leave your car parked at a fuel pump while you shopped, and the same logic should apply to EV charging spaces.
He also cautioned drivers to pay close attention to signage, which often states restrictions like 'active charging only' or 'maximum stay during charging'. Ignoring these signs means you are technically breaking the terms of parking, which is the basis for penalties from private companies.
To avoid fines and help other drivers, Hutchinson advises motorists to:
- Move their vehicle promptly once charging is complete.
- Avoid parking in EV bays unless they plan to charge.
- Always check for time limits on public charge points.
As the number of electric cars on UK roads continues to grow, treating charging bays properly is essential. Misusing them not only risks a fine but causes genuine inconvenience for those who rely on the infrastructure to power their vehicles.
