Government says EVs parked in designated spaces must be plugged in

The government has implemented changes to the rules around parking electric vehicles in designated EV charging spaces to prohibit motorists from using the car parks without plugging in for a charge.

Before the amendment the clause prevented an ICE vehicle from parking in a clearly marked space dedicated to charging electrified vehicles. 

Now it has become an offence to park an EV in one of those spaces if it is not plugged into the public charging station.

The clause reads:

Without limiting subclause (1), a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand, or park the vehicle in any parking area reserved for the charging of electric vehicles unless—

(a) the vehicle is an electric vehicle; and

(b) the person is using the area for charging the vehicle.

What isn’t clear from the amendment to the rule, is how road controlling authorities (RCA) such as Auckland Transport and other local government agencies will be able to enforce this. 

There will be scenarios where the vehicle is charging and finishes charging before the owner returns. Will allowances be made for this?