I drive an electric car – I’m fed up with ‘selfish’ petrol drivers parking their motors in charging spots

AN EV driver has slammed "selfish" petrol car owners for parking in their charging spots.

The fuming motorist vented his frustrations after finding two vehicles stealing the charging point spaces - and leaving his family stranded.

After making the discovery, in Thurso, Caithness, Northern Scotland, the EV owner was inconveniently forced to travel miles to top up on charge.

He shared the ordeal on Facebook and wrote: "My daughter and son in law have just driven up from England in their electric car, charging at Gretna Green and Aviemore with no problems.

"Went to Thurso swimming pool car park tonight to charge up only to find these two selfish drivers parked at the charge points.

"Obviously not connected to the chargers. Went up to the one at the Park hotel but it packed up.

"Not a good advert for getting people to change to electric vehicles. Couldn't find another charger in Thurso, the nearest we could find was at Scrabster."

People were quick to comment their opinion on the ";selfish" parking debarcle.

One wrote: "I’ve dealt with that same situation, different town, but the same selfish behaviour."

"Would you park in a disabled space, electric cars need to be charged people can't use them if not," agreed another.

Someone else suggested they get their revenge and said: "Park up behind them and leave a note with your number on their windscreen. They’ll call when they’re ready.

"Then take your sweet time coming back."

This comes after one London resident was left frustrated after a neighbour's car was permanently left in a local electric vehicle charging bay.

Billy Gater of Croydon took to a local Facebook page to complain about the actions of the resident, who he claimed permanently leaves a silver Kia Optima in the electric vehicle charging port bay.

Meanwhile, one Tesla driver was caught laying across a charging bay to save a spot after his EV ran out of juice.

The video also shows a man trying to charge his car, but since the owner of the Tesla is lying in the parking space, he is unable to do so.

Can I be fined for parking in an electric car parking space?

Parking in a dedicated electric car charging bay can leave drivers of fuel powered vehicles liable for a penalty charge notice.

There are many different regulations based on the area that the parking space is in.

Many councils allow drivers of electric vehicles to park in these areas, but they must be plugged in and actively charging, otherwise the user may incur a fine.

Can you park a hybrid car in an electric car space?

Hybrid cars are allowed to use electric car parking bays as many of them need to be charged through a plug.

ZEC is the collective term for vehicles that can operate with zero exhaust emissions.

A hybrid car is one of these, along with fully electric and hydrogen fuelled vehicles.