EV-only parking could drive fuel car owners mad
May 19, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Drivers of petrol and diesel cars could soon be fined for parking in spaces reserved for electric cars, under new plans being considered by the Labour government.
The proposal is part of a wide effort to make owning an EV more practical, especially for those without private driveways. By expanding public infrastructure – such as on-street chargers, fast-charging hubs, and workplace points – the initiative aims to ease charging access, reduce range anxiety, and support the UK’s shift away from fossil-fuel cars.
Labour wants to roll out more EV-only on-street parking bays across the UK which are enforced through fines to ensure they’re used properly, according to official documents. These designated spaces would make it easier for electric car owners to find convenient charging options, both for everyday use and long journeys.
It’s unknown how much the charges will be for parking in an EV-only spot if you own a petrol or diesel car. The exact amount will depend on the policies of local councils, but you can expect fines to be in the £60-100 range, according to line marking and surface coating company Riggotts.
The move comes as the UK works towards its 2030 deadline to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, in line with the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
But there are concerns about the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, including a ‘clear geographical divide’ in public charging availability. In some areas, EV owners face long waits or must drive miles to find a working charger, the Public Accounts Committee warned.
The committee has urged the Department for Transport to address regional differences and improve access across the country, especially for those without off-street parking. It also raised concerns about pricing inconsistencies: some drivers pay significantly more to charge publicly than others do at home, partly due to VAT differences the government says are still under review.
To address these challenges, the Government says it’s working to simplify the charge point installation process and improve user experience – including for disabled drivers, who can face additional barriers when using public chargers.
Labour’s proposal to introduce EV-only parking bays is just one part of a bigger push to make electric vehicles a more attractive and realistic choice for drivers. But with more than a quarter of all new car sales needing to be electric this year, there’s still a long road ahead.
Learn how to easily find free EV charging stations across the UK, keep your electric car powered, and save money with our handy guide.
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