I’m opening up to be flamed on behalf of my daughter again but, as the thread hasn’t died I thought I’d explain the reason I paid. My daughter checked out the signage above the spaces this week and it does say “electric vehicle recharging point” (as apposed to “EV cars only” or similar).
If I wanted to try my luck, and I might have done for a £200+ fine, I might have tried to contend that there is nothing explicit to say this rule is applicable 24/7 where the car park restrictions are working hours only. As I’m also against people parking in charging bays whilst not charging I morally decided to pay up.
Based on some of the feedback, and tempting criticism again, I’d be interested to hear how you would treat the situation where there are EV spaces in hotel car parks. I recently stayed at a Holiday Inn in Dijon which had Tesla destination charging and fortunately 1 of the 3 spaces was free when I arrived circa 11pm. A sign at the spaces says to remove the car once yours is fully charged. I checked with reception and asked if I was expected to move the car at 5am when I was likely to be charged up. She said not to bother as it wasn’t an issue as they weren’t expecting any more guests that night. Before breakfast I moved the car (whilst noting a hybrid was still plugged in overnight!).
For those most angry at my daughters mistake, would you (1) not use the space as you wouldn’t want to move the car immediately when it’s fully charged, (2) set an alarm at 5am and move it, (3) not use the space initially but get up at 3am to move into the space so the car is fully charged for when you’re ready to move on or (4) act on the approval from reception and leave car in space until a practically good time to move it the following morning.
I’m not using this scenario to fight back at the criticism I received, it’s a genuine question as I didn’t feel entirely comfortable at the time (knowing others may also be relying on stopping at the hotel to recharge). It’s hard to believe many would take any other option than (4) above.
I’d recommend the hotel, btw - £70 per night including free electric for car
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