Vector forced to put in time restrictions at charging site

Some electric vehicle drivers could be towed after parking in charging spots at Vector’s Gillies Ave site for hours at a time.

The inconsiderate behaviour has forced the company to change its policy, introducing restrictions of 60 minutes at rapid chargers and two hours for standard chargers next year.

Towing the offending vehicles is an option once the policy is introduced, a Vector spokesperson says.

“Unfortunately since the chargers were installed there are a small number of users occupying the EV charging spaces much longer than necessary.

“In some cases the EV is parked in a charging space for extended periods and without using the charger.”

Demand for the chargers is rising as EVs become more popular, with most people using the chargers in a considerate manner, the spokesperson says.

“Our network currently has an average 20 minutes’ charge time so we think we’ve found a good balance.”

The new time restrictions at Gillies Ave bring them into line with charging stations at Vector’s head office.