Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are increasingly receiving parking charge notices (PCNs) for using public charging bays, as private parking operators and landowners often categorize charging as a form of parking. According to reports from Guardian Money, motorists have been fined for charging outside store hours or failing to pay separate parking tariffs, even when the charging service itself is active.
The Conflict Between Charging and Parking Rules
The core of the issue lies in a disconnect between EV charging apps and the specific terms and conditions of the private land where chargers are located. Drivers often assume that connecting to a charger exempts them from standard parking restrictions, but parking operators frequently view the act of stopping in a bay as a taxable parking event.
Kevin Laban, an EV owner, received a £70 PCN after using a Pod Point charger at an Aldi in Weymouth. The charger was active, but the car park was closed to the public. Laban noted that neither the app nor the onsite signage warned that charging was prohibited outside store hours. While Aldi eventually cancelled the fine, the incident highlights a broader systemic failure: charging networks and parking enforcement systems are often not synchronized.
Did you know?
Private car parks in the UK are primarily governed by contract law. This means that once a driver enters a site, they are legally bound by the terms displayed on signage, regardless of whether they are there to shop, park, or charge an electric vehicle.
Why Parking Fines Are Increasing for EV Drivers
The motoring group RAC reports that PCNs for charging-related activity are a growing concern. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, emphasizes that the burden of clarity currently falls on the driver, which is an unsustainable model as EV adoption grows. “Signage needs to be clearer, so drivers realize straight away whether they need to pay for parking, how long they can stay to charge and the hours of operation,” Williams said.
Clive Sanders, another motorist, faced a £100 fine from Smart Parking after charging at a site in Devon. Despite paying the charging fee, he was penalized for failing to pay the separate parking tariff. The charger operator, InstaVolt, stated that parking rules are set by the landowner and acknowledged that the distinction between “charging fees” and “parking tariffs” is not always clear to new EV owners.
Future Trends: Harmonizing Charging and Parking
The regulatory landscape is expected to shift. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it plans to publish a new code of practice for private parking later this year. This framework aims to raise standards and ensure that tariffs and terms for EV charging are displayed with greater transparency.
Pro Tip: Always Check the Fine Print
Before you plug in, look for signs identifying the parking operator. If you see an ANPR camera, assume the site has strict parking terms. Check the app you are using for any “terms and conditions” links that specifically mention parking tariffs or time-of-day restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does charging an EV count as parking?
Yes. According to current private parking enforcement practices, stopping in a bay to charge your vehicle is legally considered parking. If the land is subject to parking charges or time limits, you must comply with those rules in addition to paying for the electricity.
Can I appeal a PCN if the charger was advertised as available?
Yes. Motorists have successfully appealed fines by demonstrating that signage was unclear or that the charging app directed them to the site without warning of parking restrictions. Always keep screenshots of the app’s location details and photographs of the lack of signage as evidence.
What is the Ministry of Housing doing about this?
The government is working on a new code of practice for private parking, which intends to mandate clearer display of terms and conditions for EV charging sites to prevent misleading drivers.
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