DRIVERS are facing £80 fines just by parking at the supermarket – but there are different rules for EVs.
An electric car expert has revealed the major rules all car owners should look out for when it comes to doing your weekly shop.
GettyAll car owners need to be aware of charging points regulations[/caption]
If you don’t own an EV, you can easily get lumped with a hefty fine.
Motorists need to be aware that charging points up and down the country have regulations just like normal car parking spaces do – and you can easily get caught out.
While it might sound obvious, petrol and diesel owners will be charged if they leave their cars in EV spaces.
This rule applies for all charging stations, not only supermarket car parks.
EV’s can be left in regular spaces when they are not charging.
Parking fines are usually set at around £80, and can be reduced by half if paid within a discounted time period.
However, it depends in which area you live, in London penalties can reach £130.
Elsewhere, £100 is the common parking fine fee and the amount will always reflect the seriousness of your offence.
Drivers usually have 28 days to pay a penalty before the amount will be increased by 50 per cent.
In the worst cases, ignored fines could see vehicle owners in court.
Mike Potter, CEO at DriveElectric, told WalesOnline: “There has been an increase in stories of drivers being charged penalty fares for improper use of EV parking spaces.
“We have created a list of rules that must be obeyed to ensure you do not break EV parking rules, and also help you to avoid receiving a parking fine.”
Three other tips he gave were:
CHARGING ONLY
Electric vehicle charging spaces are only to be used by drivers who are actually topping up their battery.
Many drivers believe they are entitled to park in the spot even if they aren’t plugging in.
But, this could see the owner return to find a nasty penalty notice slapped on the windscreen.
CHECK COSTS
Many superstores across the UK have began offering free charge points.
However, is important to remember they are only free for paying supermarket customers.
This means if a driver was to pop in after closing time they will most likely be fined.
FULLY CHARGED
Some free charge points will start charging owners are their EV reaches full charge – to try and reduce motorists taking up spaces unnecessarily.
This is usually set at 50p per minute once the battery is at 100 per cent.
If the charging station itself reaches full capacity, the charge can be upped to £1 per minute.
It is important to keep an eye on your charge and pull away as soon as you have enough to safely continue your journey.