The controversial ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, potentially kicking in by 2030, is nudging many motorists towards (EVs). While EVs do have some benefits, the anxiety over battery life and charging facilities is a common concern, particularly for those without a private driveway.
In many towns, it’s not unusual to spot cars parked street-side, their charging cables snaking across footpaths into homes. However, these EV owners might be oblivious to the fact that they could be violating the Highway Code, risking a parking ticket in the process.
An update to was introduced in 2022, specifically addressing EV charging etiquette. It states: “When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables.
“Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.”
Ignoring the Highway Code can lead to a penalty charge notice (PCN). The cost of a PCN can vary depending on location – for instance, in London, fines range between £60 and £130, depending on the severity of the offence. Paying promptly within 14 days allows for a 50% reduction.
Trailing electric car wires can be a hazard (Image: Getty)
EV owners might also find themselves on the wrong side of the law, specifically breaching the , if they run their cables across a road. The act outlines: “A person who for any purpose places any rope, wire or other apparatus across a highway [road] in such a manner as to be likely to cause danger to persons using the highway is, unless he proves that he had taken all necessary means to give adequate warning of the danger, guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale”.
In practical terms, this could mean facing a £1,000 fine from the courts. There’s also the potential for civil litigation if someone were to injure themselves by tripping over your charging cable, which could result in a personal injury lawsuit.
To stay on the safe side, EV motorists are advised to verify any local council regulations regarding cable placement and consider investing in a cable protector to minimise trip hazards for pedestrians.