EV drivers fined up to £70 for charging in UK supermarket car parks outside opening hours

Guardian Money reports that multiple electric vehicle owners have received parking charge notices of £70 after using chargers in private car parks, particularly at UK supermarkets like Aldi. Drivers say signage fails to clarify that charging counts as parking or that chargers are subject to store opening times, with some charge point operators advertising availability when use would breach car park terms.

Why it matters: Charge point operators and site hosts must align operational messaging and enforcement policies to avoid customer penalties. Unclear terms risk undermining driver confidence in public charging infrastructure and complicate site access agreements for CPOs expanding retail partnerships.