Electric vehicle drivers are being hit with unexpected private parking fines after using public chargers in car parks where charging also counts as parking. The issue matters because some motorists say signage, apps and charger information do not clearly explain that parking tariffs or site opening-hour restrictions still apply, exposing a gap between the rollout of EV charging infrastructure and existing car park rules.

The Guardian highlights cases including one driver who received a £70 parking charge notice after using a Pod Point charger in an Aldi car park outside store hours, and another who was sent a £100 notice after paying only for charging in a Devon car park. Aldi cancelled the first fine after a complaint, while charger operators said landowners control parking rules and notices, although some acknowledged the distinction may not be obvious to newer EV drivers. The article argues that chargers can be advertised as publicly available even where using them may breach car park terms, creating confusion over fees, time limits and access.