Drivers urged to avoid parking petrol or diesel cars in EV-only spaces or face hefty fines - Express

Drivers were urged to only use electric vehicle parking spaces if they need to charge an EV (Image: Getty)

The electric vehicle leasing company DriveElectric has warned motorists that they could be fined if they park a petrol or diesel model in an EV parking space.

The company noted that, with over 42,000 parking spaces designated for electric vehicles across the UK, it is important for all motorists to know when they can use them.

Mike Potter, CEO of DriveElectric, noted that these parking spaces are only meant to be used by vehicles featuring a battery which drives the wheels.

He explained: “All parking zones have rules that must be adhered to. In the same way a parent and child bay should only be used by a person with a young child, or a disabled parking bay only be used by someone with a blue badge, electric car parking bays are intended to be used only by vehicles powered by a battery for the purpose of recharging only.

“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.”

EV owners can also be fined if they do not correctly connect their car to the public charger (Image: Getty)

In addition, DriveElectric also gave owners of electric vehicles a number of tips to make sure they are using EV-only spaces effectively.

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If the space features a public charger, the company suggested that EV owners only use the space if they need to replenish their car’s battery.

With charge anxiety, the fear of not being able to find a working public charger, still affecting some electric car owners, motorists can help ease the frustration of charging up their vehicle when the battery is low.

Mike also recommended that drivers should always double check to see that the electric vehicle is charging, with drivers technically breaking the law if they are parked nearby an EV charger without using it.

He said: “Whilst many drivers thank that an EV charging space can be parked in at any time, they can only be used whilst the car is charging.

“Parking in a space and not plugging in your electric vehicle can result in a fine, even if the parking space is free.”

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