Electric Vehicle Drivers Fined for Parking While Charging
Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are being hit with parking fines for charging in private car parks, as unclear signage and outdated rules create confusion over whether refuelling counts as parking. Guardian Money has received several complaints from motorists who received penalty charge notices (PCNs) after using charging points away from home.
Kevin Laban received a £70 PCN for charging his EV in an Aldi car park in Weymouth while the supermarket was closed. The Pod Point app directed him to the bay, but the car park’s cameras issued a fine for parking outside store hours. Laban said there were no signs on the charger or in the app stating the restriction. Aldi canceled the PCN after he complained, insisting terms are clearly displayed.
Outdated Rules and Confusing Signage
Clive Sanders received a £100 PCN from Smart Parking for charging his EV in a Devon car park without paying the parking tariff. He said the InstaVolt charger gave no indication that parking fees applied. InstaVolt offered a £50 credit after Guardian Money questioned the signage clarity, but Smart Parking refused to cancel the fine, stating drivers must check terms.
Anthony Stone was fined £100 for using a charger in a Holiday Inn car park without registering his number plate. He argued that drivers should not have to enter multiple contracts to charge. Holiday Inn canceled the PCN after Guardian Money intervened, stating the display screen instructs drivers to register for free parking.
Industry Response and Growing Problem
Pod Point said landowners are responsible for displaying parking restrictions. InstaVolt noted that parking terms vary by site and may not always be obvious to new drivers. The RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “Signage needs to be clearer, so drivers realise straight away whether they need to pay for parking, how long they can stay to charge and the hours of operation. Equally, charge point operators should add a warning to their devices and apps to make drivers aware.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that private car parks are governed by contract law and tariffs must be clearly displayed. It plans to publish a new code to raise standards for private parking later this year.
