ICE-ing, overstay fees & EV parking rules: what you need to know
EV charging bays are popping up all over the UK, from motorway service stations to supermarket car parks. But with more dedicated EV spaces comes more confusion—can anyone park in them? Do you have to pay extra to charge? And what happens if you leave your EV plugged in too long?
Whether you're a new EV driver or just want to avoid a parking fine, we’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down everything you need to know about EV parking rules in the UK, with real-life examples!
Let’s get plugged in…
Can I Park in an EV Charging Space If I’m Not Charging?
Short answer: Nope!
If your EV isn’t actively charging, you shouldn’t park in an EV charging bay. These spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles that are plugged in and charging—otherwise, you might be taking up a crucial spot for someone who actually needs it!
What the Law Says
EV charging bays in the UK are usually managed by local councils, private parking operators, or motorway service providers, and each has their own set of rules. But the general rule of thumb is: if you’re not charging, you’re at risk of getting fined.
Councils can issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) if they enforce EV bays. These fines usually range from £50 to £130 depending on the location.
Private parking operators (such as those in retail parks or motorway services) have their own rules, and fines can vary. Some will issue penalty notices if a car is parked but not plugged in.
Example: Westminster Council
Westminster takes EV bay enforcement seriously. If your car is parked in an EV bay without charging, you could get a £130 fine (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days). Enforcement officers regularly check if cars are plugged in and can even check charging session data.
Tip: Always check local signs before parking—some councils allow short waiting times, while others are strict about immediate charging!
Do I Need to Pay for Parking While Charging My EV?
It depends! Some places charge for both parking and charging, while others let you park for free as long as you’re plugged in.
Location
Do you pay for charging?
Do you pay for parking?
London (some boroughs)
Yes
Some offer free parking for EVs, others charge
Manchester
Yes
Some council car parks allow free EV parking
Supermarket Car Parks
Sometimes free
Often free, but time limits apply
Motorway Service Areas
Yes
Usually no extra parking charge, but time limits apply
Example: Birmingham City Council
In Birmingham, EVs can park for free in council-owned charging bays while they are charging.
However, if you park in a pay-and-display car park, you still need to pay for parking even if you're using the charger.
Tip: Always check the parking signs. Some locations give EV drivers free parking while charging, but others charge separately for both parking and electricity.
Can I Get a Fine for Parking My Petrol or Diesel Car in an EV Space?
Yes! And it can be costly.
Blocking an EV charging bay with a petrol or diesel car—often called ‘ICE-ing’ (short for Internal Combustion Engine)—can get you a hefty fine. Local councils and private car park operators are cracking down on this to ensure EV drivers can access the charging points they need.
Penalties for ICE-ing an EV Space
Councils can issue fines of £70-£130 depending on the area.
Private parking operators (like NCP or supermarket car parks) may issue their own fines, often £50-£100.
In some areas, councils are introducing powers to tow ICE vehicles that repeatedly block EV bays!
Example: Glasgow’s Anti-ICE-ing Law
Glasgow City Council introduced a £60 fine for ICE vehicles blocking an EV space.
The rule applies 24/7, and parking wardens regularly check EV bays.
Tip: If you drive an ICE vehicle, avoid parking in EV bays altogether—even for a quick stop! It could cost you.
What happens if my EV is fully charged but still parked in the space?
You might think, “My car is electric—I can stay here all day!” But not so fast. Once your EV is fully charged, you may need to move it to avoid extra fees or fines.
Idle Fees & Overstay Charges
Tesla Superchargers charge 50p per minute if the station is more than 50% full and your car is still plugged in.
BP Pulse applies a £10 overstay fee at some rapid chargers if your car is still in the bay after 90 minutes.
Some councils, like Islington, issue a £130 fine if an EV stays in a charging bay for more than 10 minutes after charging is complete.
Tip: We will always tell you in the Electroverse app if a charge point will incur idle or overstay fees so set a reminder on your phone when charging so you can move your car before overstay fees kick in!
Do supermarkets and retailers have different EV parking rules?
Yes, and they vary a lot! Some supermarkets offer free charging, while others charge a fee and enforce time limits.
Retailer EV Parking Policies
Retailer
Free Charging?
Parking Restrictions?
Tesco
Free 7kW charging, fees for faster charging
3-hour limit
Sainsbury's
Fees apply at some locations
Standard parking rules apply
Morrisons
Fees apply
Time limits apply in some stores
IKEA
Free charging at some locations
90-minute limit in some stores
Tip: If you’re using a supermarket charger, check the rules before you shop so you don’t overstay and get a fine!
Can I find out if a charging location has parking fees before I arrive?
Yes! With Electroverse, you can check operator fees, charging fees, and services at different locations before you go. The app shows details like whether parking is free while charging or if there are overstay fees.
What happens if I leave my EV in a charging bay after my session ends?
Many charge points apply idle fees if you stay plugged in after your battery is full. Some locations also issue parking fines if you don’t move your car after charging. When using electroverse we will let you know what additional operator fees to expect before charging!
Can I pay for parking through Electroverse?
You can pay for charging with Electroverse, but parking fees are set by the location owner. If parking is free while charging, you won’t need to pay extra. If there’s a separate parking charge, you’ll need to pay at the location (e.g., via a ticket machine or app).
Can I report an ICE vehicle blocking an EV bay?
Yes! If an ICE vehicle (or even an EV that’s not charging) is blocking a bay, you can report it to the local council (if it’s a public bay) or the car park operator (if it’s in a private parking area).
Are all EV charging bays enforced with fines?
Not all, but many are! Some councils and private operators actively issue fines for ICE-ing or overstaying, while others rely on signage as a deterrent.
The Electroverse map can help you find alternative charge points if you arrive at a location and the bays are blocked!
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