ParkingEye EV charger fine success

ric1471

Hello, we just wanted to share a success story in the hope that it helps people in similar circumstances in the future.

We recently used a Zest EV charge point in the car park of Home Bargains in Honiton. It was 6am and not fully light, and we don't recall any signage advising us we couldn't use the charger outside of the store opening hours… we got a £100 fine from ParkingEye through the post. Appealed - we we were there 36 minutes doing a quick charge, and didn't recall seeing any signs. Appeal was denied, but we called the store manager of Home Bargains. He advised you get a fine if you stay more than 3 hours or if you use the chargers outside of store opening hours. He said there are signs in the car parking to that effect. Fortunately, he removed the fine for us, which we're grateful for. However absolutely baffled that EV chargers, advertised on EV charge maps etc, are available for use when you're not actually supposed to use them?! No barriers in the car park, no indication you should not enter. It feels like entrapment, and I've emailed Zest to make them aware (although perhaps they are, and perhaps they don't care…)

So yes: contact the store manager, as it seems they have the power to remove fines.

Gr1pr

I suggest that you put in a strong complaint to the CMA as soon as possible, see the posts by coupon mad for the details and email addresses

James_Poisson

Brilliant plan A works again, well done, but please don't use the word "fine" it wasn't, it was a speculative attempt to invoice you nothing more!

Anonamamous

Definitely something the government should be looking at. There is a transition towards EVs that will continue and with many of the incremental buyers likely not having at home charging, public EV infrastructure becomes even more important. It seems silly that private parking companies can effectively block these resources to the public. One has to wonder if being plugged in charging is the same as parking in legal speak? Would be interested to hear any views from representives of parking firms if on this forum or any MPs!

Jame4ters

Allowing you to charge a vehicle outside of “opening” hours but still issuing a PCN sounds like an entrapment or scam. You can’t do that at a petrol station as they switch the machines off.

Also filling your car with petrol isn’t parking so charging a vehicle shouldn’t be