Over 161,000 Fines Issued for EV Charging Bay Misuse Since 2020, New Data Reveals

Over 161,000 Fines Issued for EV Charging Bay Misuse Since 2020, New Data Reveals Welcome, Net Zero News readers, New analysis has revealed a sharp rise in penalties issued to drivers misusing electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, with more than 161,000 fines issued across the UK since 2020. The findings, released by cinch following extensive Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, highlight growing pressure on public charging infrastructure as more drivers switch to electric vehicles. FOI data from 194 local authorities shows that enforcement has accelerated year-on-year as councils attempt to protect access to chargers for EV users. Yet the research also uncovers major inconsistencies, with some councils issuing thousands of fines while others do not enforce rules at all. Misuse Rising as EV Numbers Grow As the UK’s charging network expands, councils have increasingly cracked down on improper use of EV bays. A total of 161,303 fines have been issued since 2020, with strong year-on-year increases: 2020: 8,642 fines 2021: 13,588 (+57%) 2022: 22,251 (+64%) 2023: 32,368 (+45%) 2024: 46,128 (+43%) 2025 YTD: 38,326 (as of August) Although the 2025 total so far is below last year’s yearly figure, monthly averages tell a different story, with 4,791 fines issued per month in 2025 compared to 3,844 per month in 2024 — a rise of nearly 25%. If current trends continue, EV charging bay misuse is projected to exceed 57,000 fines by the end of this year, representing the highest level recorded. Where Enforcement Is Strongest The councils issuing the most fines between 2020 and 2025 were: 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 While London boroughs dominate, Newcastle and Coventry stand out as the only non-South-East authorities in the top tier of enforcement. Misuse Hotspots & Gaps in Enforcement Only a few councils released location-specific data, but where it was available, the scale of misuse was striking: Millharbour, Tower Hamlets (London): 664 fines King’s Road, Brighton & Hove: 231 fines Meanwhile, several councils confirmed they do not enforce EV bay misuse at all — often due to the absence of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) or limited enforcement resources. Others said they “hold no data” on the issue. West Lothian Council reported that while they currently do not enforce, TROs are being drafted for all existing EV sites. Growing EV Demand Requires Stronger Consistency With more than 1.3 million EVs now on UK roads and over 86,000 public chargers, access to charging infrastructure has become a key part of the UK’s transition to net zero. The data suggests that without consistent national rules, EV drivers may continue to face barriers caused by non-EV vehicles occupying charging bays. Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: “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.” The researchers say establishing clear signage, consistent enforcement policies, and greater public awareness will be essential to ensuring fairness and maintaining confidence in the UK’s growing EV network.