car expertParking spaces at charging stations seem to be reserved by definition for electric cars. But is it always prohibited to park a petrol car there, reader Jac Melis wonders. Our car expert Niek Schenk provides the answer.
Ask: ‘There are two charging stations for electric cars in my area. One has a P sign with the caption ‘electric cars only’. There is nothing at the other charging station. Can I park there with a petrol car?’
Auto editor Niek Schenk answers: ‘Yes that is allowed. The parking ban for petrol cars at charging stations only applies if it is clearly indicated under the P sign that only electric cars are allowed to park there. This solution is sometimes chosen, especially in residential areas. Local residents often complain when charging stations are installed in a street. The result may be that there are fewer regular parking spaces available. The solution is to install a charging station, but not to combine it with a parking ban for non-electric cars. By keeping the parking space at the charging station also available for normal cars, parking capacity is maintained. But if there is the well-known blue and white P sign stating that only electric cars are allowed to park there, then other types of cars are not allowed there.’
‘It is also possible that the sign states ‘charging electric vehicles’. In that case, even electric cars are not allowed to park there. They are only allowed to be there when charging is actually taking place. So once the charging session is complete, they have to leave the parking lot.’
Our car editor Niek Schenk answers reader questions every week. Email your question to [email protected]
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