Electric vehicle bay parking restrictions

Parking is free in bays that are exclusively designated for electric vehicles (EVs) and have no other parking restrictions. When using these dedicated EV only bays, the vehicle must be actively charging while the bay is occupied.

Any vehicle, including an EV, that is parked in a dedicated EV bay without actively charging is liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Some EV charging bays are shared with nonEV parking or are located within areas that have additional restrictions, such as resident permit requirements or paid parking. In these locations, parking conditions apply, and parking is not free.

Always check the onstreet signage at each location, as restrictions vary by bay.  You can find examples of the different types of EV bays further down this page. 

Time limited bays

There are also time limited bays, at rapid chargepoints and some of our fast chargepoints. An EV in an EV only bay that is plugged in and charging is liable for a PCN if they overstay the time limit.  

Make sure to check the signage on the street. Fast chargepoints have a 3 hour time limit to encourage a quicker turn around for other residents and visitors of the city to charge whilst they are out. These restrictions are currently under review to allow residents to use these bays unrestricted between 8pm and 8am and max stay increasing from 3 to 4 hours. 

The rapid chargepoints have a time limit of 1 hour due to the speed of the charging.  

Make sure that you observe the time limits and restrictions and be aware that displaying a blue badge will not supersede the limitations. If a vehicle has exceeded the permitted times a PCN may be issued. 

Types of EV bays

EV only bay

Requirements to park

Parking is free, Must be actively charging to use bay (pay for charging) 

Permit Holder only & EV only bay

Requirements to park 

Must display a permit for relevant zone AND be actively charging during controlled hours.

Outside of controlled hours remains EV only, no permit required but must be actively charging to use bay (pay for charging).

Shared EV bay

Requirements to park 

Must display a permit for relevant zone or pay for parking AND be actively charging during controlled hours.

Outside of controlled hours remains EV only, no permit or paid parking required but must be actively charging to use bay. 

Below are examples of signage for each type of bay. These are example signs only. Please make sure to read the signs fully before parking in a bay.

Electric vehicle only bay

Text on sign reads "Electric vehicle recharging point only at any time"

Electric vehicle only, max stay time restricted bay

Text on sign reads: Electric vehicle recharging point only at any time. Max stay 4 hours, no return within 4 hours.

Electric Vehicle only, Permit Holder or Paid Parking bay (Also showing max stay time restriction)

Text on sign reads: Electric vehicle recharging point only at any time. 8am to 8pm. Permit Holders (Permit zone). Or. Pay by phone 0330 400 7275 or text 65565 quoting location (location number) . Max stay 4 hours, no return within 4 hours

Electric Vehicle only and Permit Holder only bay (Also showing max stay time restriction)

Text on sign reads: Electric vehicle recharging point only at any time. 8am to 8pm. Permit holders Max stay 4 hours, No return within 4 hours

Electric vehicle only and e-taxi only dual bay (with max stay time restrictions)

Text on left hand sign reads Electric vehicle recharging point only. 1 hour. No return within 2 hours. Text on right hand sign reads e-taxi recharging point only. 1 hour. No return within 2 hours