Electric vehicle experts are warning drivers that parking at the supermarket could result in significant fines of up to £130. There are over 1,250,000 fully electric cars on the roads as the UK begins to shift from petrol and diesel to battery-powered cars, with a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars set to take place in 2035.
However, Matthew Alford, EV expert at Electric Solar has shared a key supermarket parking rule that could see you lumped with a hefty fine – and what you can do to avoid it. Matthew said: “As more supermarkets provide free electric vehicle charging spaces, it might seem convenient to charge your EV here after work or late at night when the car park is quieter. But you should avoid doing this if the supermarket is closed as some of their charging stations only offer free charging if you’re a customer.
“If the supermarket is closed when you park, you won’t qualify as a customer and could face a fine for parking illegally. These fines generally range around £80, although the cost can be cut if paid soon. But this varies by location. For example, in London, the fine can be up to £130, while £100 is the typical fare elsewhere.
“Ultimately it is important for EV drivers to make sure the space they are using in the supermarket car park is available at all times or they risk a fine. Additionally, if you are using one of these spots, ensure your EV is charging while parked as failing to do so will incur more fines.”
How to avoid fines when parking your EV at the supermarket
- Only park in EV spaces if you are charging: “Electric vehicle charging spaces are reserved strictly for drivers who are actively charging their batteries. Some drivers mistakenly believe they can park in these spots without plugging in, but this can result in a hefty penalty notice of up to £100.”
- Check your EV battery when charging: “Some free charging stations will begin charging EV owners once their vehicle reaches full battery, in an effort to discourage drivers from occupying the space unnecessarily. This fee is usually around 50p per minute once the battery hits 100% but rate can increase to £1 per minute to incentivize drivers to move their vehicle once its fully charged.”
- Time your visit to the supermarket: “If you plan to visit a supermarket after hours, ensure that the charging stations are still operational and that you can complete your charging session before the car park closes. Also some supermarkets may restrict how long you can park or charge, so stay aware of these time limits.”