Ealing is among the UK’s top ten councils taking action against drivers misusing electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, issuing more than 5,200 fines over the past five years to motorists who blocked access to charge points.
Car marketplace cinch submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to all 218 upper-tier local authorities in the UK, revealing that more than 161,000 fines have been issued since 2020 to drivers who parked in bays reserved for electric vehicle charging but were not plugged in.
The responses show a steep rise in enforcement: fines rose from 8,642 in 2020 to 46,128 in 2024, with 2025 on track to surpass 57,000 if current trends continue. The increase reflects both the rapid growth in EV ownership — now more than 1.3 million vehicles — and mounting pressure on public charging infrastructure as demand accelerates.
Ealing ranks eighth nationwide for enforcement. The borough’s total of 5,200 fines places it among the most active councils, alongside Westminster, which tops the list with 13,511 fines, and Camden (5,301), Hammersmith & Fulham (5,366) and Haringey (5,121). Outside London, Newcastle upon Tyne issued 19,404 fines, while Coventry recorded 15,261, showing that the problem extends far beyond the capital.
In August 2025, Ealing Council said there were 1,081 charging points across the borough, with plans to increase that number to around 2,500 by 2030 as part of its ongoing climate-action and sustainable-transport strategy.
The council says enforcement is essential to ensure fair access for residents and visitors who rely on this growing network. Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, told EALING.NEWS: “Ealing Council is proud to be at the forefront of supporting the transition to electric vehicles, with a fast-growing and accessible charging network. We are committed to ensuring all residents and visitors have fair access to charging points, which is vital for cleaner air and a more sustainable borough.
“We make no apology for taking robust action against those who misuse EV charging bays and over the past five years, we have issued more than 5,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to ensure charging bays remain available for those who genuinely need them.
“Our enforcement approach is fair and proportionate. We use clear signage and regular patrols to deter misuse, which undermines the investment we are making in sustainable transport and disadvantages responsible EV drivers.
“We are committed to making the borough a leader in green transport and will take decisive action to keep our charging network accessible to all.”
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