Drivers of petrol and diesel cars across the UK have been hit with more than 140,000 fines for parking in electric vehicle charging spaces.
The sharp rise in penalties revealed how councils are increasingly targeting motorists who park in bays meant only for electric cars.
The figures come from Freedom of Information requests sent to more than 190 councils, which found that enforcement over EV parking spaces has increased in recent years.
Thousands of drivers have been fined for using EV charging bays without permission, even if they were only stopping for a short time.
The data highlighted how common “ICEing” has become, with this term used to describe petrol or diesel vehicles blocking EV charging points, preventing electric car drivers from plugging in.
As more people switch to electric vehicles, councils have stepped up efforts to stop this kind of obstruction.
In 2020, councils issued 8,642 fines for misusing EV bays, while the figure climbed to a staggering 46,128 last year. By August this year, councils across the UK had already issued 38,326 fines.
On average, councils handed out about 4,791 fines a month this year, compared with 3,844 a month in 2024. If this pace continues, fines in 2025 could reach 57,000.
Drivers can be fined £70 for parking in electric car spots in England and Wales
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Newcastle City Council has reported 19,404 penalties, although this figure includes various parking offences, not only EV bay misuse.
Coventry City Council issued 15,261 fines specifically for EV bay violations, while Westminster City Council issued 13,511.
Certain locations have become particularly hotspots. Millharbour on the Isle of Dogs in Tower Hamlets, London, recorded 664 fines, making it one of the most heavily penalised charging areas in the country.
Councils across the UK had already issued 38,326 fines by August this year
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PAMotorists who park in EV bays without authorisation can face fines of £70 in England and Wales. Even EV drivers themselves can be penalised, although there has been a disproportionate number of petrol and diesel drivers fined.
Councils explained that their approach was necessary to make sure EV drivers can access charging points when they need them.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, who oversees climate action at Ealing Council, said the authority makes “no apology” for taking firm action, with more than 5,000 fines issued over the last five years in the area.
He added that the council uses clear signs and regular patrols to prevent misuse, which he said undermines investment in greener transport.
Drivers have been issued almost 5,000 fines every month for parking in EV spaces
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PAMotoring expert Ben Welham, from the car reseller Cinch, said councils must manage EV bay misuse as the number of charging points grows. If not, charging networks could become overwhelmed and discourage people from buying electric cars.
Across Britain, the number of public charging points has risen sharply, from fewer than 30,000 at the end of 2021 to more than 86,700 today.
Enforcement still varies widely, with some councils not having the legal powers needed to issue fines, while others said they do not track EV bay misuse at all.
West Lothian Council, for example, said it does not currently enforce EV bay rules but is working on creating the necessary traffic regulation orders.