The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) raises concerns about charging practices, particularly when using public charge points. While convenient, trailing cables across pavements can pose trip hazards and violate the Highway Code, potentially leading to fines and even lawsuits.
With a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars potentially coming in as soon as 2030, it's likely that many of us will be switching to electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs have some advantages, one of the main worries for drivers is keeping the battery topped up, especially if you don't have a driveway with your own charging point. In some areas of the country, it's common to see people parked on the road, with charger cables trailing across the pavement into their home.
But what these EV owners may not realise is that they could be in breach of the Highway Code and can end up getting a parking ticket. Under the Highway Code, an amendment was added to Rule 239 in 2022 that deals with the charging of EVs. 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.' Drivers who flout Highway Code rules put themselves at risk of receiving a penalty charge notice (PCN). The cost of a PCN varies by area, but in Lancashire it tends to be either £50 or £70 depending on the severity of the offence. If paid within 14 days, the motorist will get a 50% discount. Those who stretch their cables across the road can face even more severe penalties under the Highways Act 1980, Section 162. The act states: 'A person who for any purpose places any rope, wire or other apparatus across a highway 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.' This could possibly translate to a fine from the courts of £1,000. There could also be the possibility of civil action, if someone was to be injured after a trip or fall on your cable wire, this could lead to a personal injury claim. EV drivers should check if their local authority has their own specific rules about running cabling, and consider using a product such as a cable protector to reduce the risk to anyone using the pavement
ELECTRIC VEHICLES HIGHWAY CODE CHARGING PENALTIES SAFETY
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