Electric vehicle owners are being slapped with unexpected parking fines after using public charging points, highlighting a disconnect between car park regulations and the needs of EV charging.
Several drivers have shared their experiences of receiving PCNs ranging from £70 to £100. One motorist, Kevin Laban, was issued a £70 fine for charging his EV in an Aldi car park in Weymouth outside store opening hours, despite being directed there by Pod Point's app.
Laban claims there was no clear indication on site or in the app that parking was prohibited during these times. Similarly, Clive Sanders received a £100 PCN from Smart Parking after paying only for charging at a Devon car park. InstaVolt, the charge point operator, offered him a £50 credit but maintained that car park rules are set by landowners and notices warn of restrictions.
The issue appears to stem from private landowners' outdated interpretation of 'parking', considering EV charging as parking regardless of whether a separate fee for electricity has been paid. This contrasts with traditional refuelling, where drivers aren't charged for parking while their vehicle is at a pump. Anthony Stone questioned the number of contracts drivers should be expected to enter into simply to charge a vehicle.
Aldi cancelled Laban's PCN and insisted their terms are clearly displayed, but Pod Point pointed out that landowners are responsible for displaying restrictions. However, the recurring nature of these complaints suggests a systemic problem. The lack of standardised, clear signage and consistent rules across charging locations is causing confusion and financial penalties for drivers embracing greener transport options.