EV warning to parents – avoid up to £200 in fines and fees this half term

With February half-term approaching and pupils and parents looking forward to a well deserved break, thousands of families are expected to take a staycation in the UK.

This comes as a record 470,000+ electric vehicles were registered in 2025, up 24% year-on-year, meaning thousands of new EV-owning families may be encountering EV-specific fines and parking rules for the first time this half-term break.

That’s why George Penny, EV Expert and Director at The Solar Co, is warning Brits to avoid these 5 EV driving rules or face fines and fees worth around £200.

5 things EV-owners need to know to avoid £200 in fines this half-term

1. Parking in EV charging bays may cost you £70 – even with a Blue Badge

“EV charging bays are for active charging only, not free or priority parking. Drivers can still be fined £60 to £70 for parking in an EV bay without plugging in, overstaying once charging finishes, or assuming free charging means unlimited parking.

“Importantly, Blue Badge holders are not automatically exempt from EV bay rules, something many families only discover after receiving a fine on holiday.”

2. Watch out for idle fees that can quietly add £10 to £20 to your stop

“Many rapid chargers apply idle fees once charging is complete, charging drivers for staying plugged in. For example, if their station is at full capacity, Tesla Superchargers will charge users £1 per minute for using up the charger once an EV is fully charged. 

“These fees can quickly add up, especially when families are delayed by food stops, toilet breaks or getting children back in the car.”

3. Check car park height limits before relying on public chargers

“Many chargers in towns, hotels and city centres are located in underground or multi-storey car parks. For those planning to bring extra luggage on holiday, it’s worth remembering that roof boxes, bike racks and luggage pods can often mean your vehicle exceeds height restrictions, forcing families to reroute – sometimes with low battery remaining. 

“Checking this in advance via EV charging apps can be the difference between a flat battery and an expensive call out charge, which could set drivers back by up to £100.”

4. Cold half-term weather can cut EV range by up to 20%

“Lower temperatures can directly reduce the battery performance of EVs, whilst increased demand for heating and demisting the cabin can also drain batteries faster – this results in EV drivers seeing a 20% drop in their estimated range. 

“What’s more, EV drivers should remember that with reduced range per charge, they may need to charge for longer or more frequently, factoring this in when budgeting for their trip. 

“Families travelling during February half-term should plan an extra range buffer, especially on rural routes with fewer rapid charging options.”

5. Don’t assume hotel chargers are unlimited or first come, first served

“From Center Parcs to chain hotels, EV-friendly holiday destinations often require pre-booking EV-chargers, or risk missing out on access to rapid or overnight charging.

“It’s also worth checking beforehand whether your hotel limits charging times, requires a reception sign-up or restricts charger access to the purchase of specific rooms in the hotel.”

About George Penny

Based in Bromley, George Penny is the Director of The Solar Co. He has a passion for leading the UK’s transition to efficient and reliable renewable solutions for households and businesses alike. 

About The Solar Co

The Solar Co is a leading UK-based renewable energy installer specialising in solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging solutions for residential, commercial, and new-build properties. Serving London and the South East, including areas like Bromley, Kent, and Croydon, the company is committed to helping customers reduce energy bills and carbon footprints through high-quality, MCS-certified installations.

With a focus on customer education and support, The Solar Co offers an interactive savings calculator, transparent consultations, and assistance with grant applications.