Electric Vehicle Charging Bay Misuse on the Rise in the UK
More than 161,000 fines have been issued to drivers misusing electric vehicle (EV) charging bays since 2020, according to new research from cinch, the UK’s leading online used car retailer.
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests were submitted to all 218 upper tier local authorities in the UK to uncover the scale of EV charging bay misuse across the UK.
In total, 194 responded, with the data showing where the most fines were issues and uncovering major inconsistencies in how councils enforce the rules.
While some have issued thousands of fines to drivers parking without charging, others admit they don’t enforce record misuse at all.
With more drivers than ever choosing electric, access to public charging is becoming increasingly important.
Understanding the Issue
The rise of electric vehicles has led to an increased demand for public charging points. However, the misuse of EV charging bays is becoming a significant problem, with many drivers parking in these bays without charging their vehicles.
EV Charging Bay Misuse on the Rise
As the charging network grows, councils have also ramped up enforcement. In the last five years, a total of 161,303 fines were issued to drivers misusing EV bays, with the number increasing sharply year-on-year:
- 2020: 8,642
- 2021: 13,588 (+57.2%)
- 2022: 22,251 (+63.8%)
- 2023: 32,368 (+45.5%)
- 2024: 46,128 (+42.6%)
- 2025 YTD: 38,326 (as of August 2025)
The data shows enforcement has increased significantly since 2020, as councils become more proactive in protecting charging bays and ensuring they’re available for drivers who need them most.
While the year-to-date figure for 2025 is lower than 2024’s total, monthly averages tell a different story. Councils have issued an average of 4,791 fines per month so far in 2025, compared to 3,844 per month in 2024 – an increase of around 24.6%.
If current trends continue, EV charging bay misuse is on track to exceed 57,000 fines by the end of the year, reaching an all-time high.
Top 10 Councils Issuing the Most Fines for EV Bay Misuse
The following councils have issued the most fines for EV bay misuse between 2020 and 2025:
- Newcastle upon Tyne City Council – 19,404 fines
- Coventry City Council – 15,261 fines
- Westminster City Council – 13,511 fines
- Surrey County Council – 5,740 fines
- Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council – 5,366 fines
- Camden Borough Council – 5,301 fines
- Ealing Borough Council – 5,250 fines
- Haringey Borough Council – 5,121 fines
- Wandsworth Borough Council – 4,465 fines
- Bexley Borough Council – 4,330 fines
London councils dominate the list, but Newcastle and Coventry stand out as the only authorities outside of the South East to appear near the top.
The Impact on EV Drivers
With more than 1.3 million electric cars now on UK roads, demand for public chargers has never been higher. There are now more than 86,000 public chargers, up from 50,000 in 2022.
cinch’s analysis shows that while enforcement is improving, inconsistent rules and unclear signage are still creating problems across parts of the UK.
Establishing more consistent policies and better public awareness could help make charging simpler and fairer for everyone, according to Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch
“As the number of EV parking bays increases to meet demand, it’s key that councils manage misuse. Otherwise, there’s a risk of charging infrastructure being overwhelmed or drivers being turned off going electric.”
Misuse Hotspots
Only a small number of councils were able to share detailed location-level data, but where provided, the scale of misuse was clear.
Millharbour in Tower Hamlets (London) recorded 664 fines, making it one of the most misused charging locations in the UK.
In Brighton and Hove, seafront bays on King’s Road saw 231 fines, underlining the pressure on chargers in tourist-heavy areas.
Councils without Enforcement
Some local authorities confirmed they don’t currently enforce EV charging bays, often because Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) haven’t yet been established or resources are limited. Others stated that they “hold no data” on misuse.
West Lothian Council, however, confirmed that while there is currently no enforcement of EV charging bays, officers are developing TROs for all existing sites.
This variation in approach reflects the ever-changing nature of EV infrastructure across the UK. As more councils put TROs in place and expand their charging networks, consistent enforcement will play a key role in ensuring fairness for all drivers.
Conclusion
The misuse of EV charging bays is a growing problem in the UK, with over 161,000 fines issued since 2020. While some councils are taking action to deter misuse, others are not enforcing the rules, leading to inconsistent policies and unclear signage. As the demand for public charging continues to rise, it is essential that councils manage misuse effectively to ensure that charging infrastructure is available for those who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main issue with EV charging bays in the UK?
A: The main issue is the misuse of EV charging bays, with many drivers parking in these bays without charging their vehicles.
Q: How many fines have been issued for EV bay misuse since 2020?
A: Over 161,000 fines have been issued since 2020, with the number increasing sharply year-on-year.
Q: Which councils have issued the most fines for EV bay misuse?
A: The top 10 councils that have issued the most fines for EV bay misuse are listed in the article, with Newcastle upon Tyne City Council issuing the most fines.
Q: What can be done to prevent EV charging bay misuse?
A: Establishing more consistent policies and better public awareness could help make charging simpler and fairer for everyone. Councils can also take action to deter misuse by issuing fines and enforcing the rules.
Q: How many public chargers are there in the UK?
A: There are now more than 86,000 public chargers in the UK, up from 50,000 in 2022.
