Resident hits out at EV issue taking over Aussie suburbs after new $2,200 fines introduced
As councils race to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Australian suburbs to keep up with growing demand, prime parking locations are being snapped up for the new infrastructure – and some locals aren't happy about the disappearing parking options in their community as a result.
This is the case in one inner-city suburb of Sydney, where a resident claims two EV-designated parking bays are consistently vacant. Seeking the opinion of others in a local community group, he complained that he often has to park further away and walk to amenities, only to pass the parking bays which are frequently sitting empty.
"Day four of two electric vehicle-only spots not being used," the Leichhardt resident posted online.
"Two key parking and drop-off spots for residents, small businesses and most importantly right out the front of a local GP and pathology."
After legislation was introduced in November 2022, it became a fineable offence for drivers of petrol engine vehicles to park in allocated charging bays, with a potential fine of up to $2,200. The practice is often referred to as 'ICEing'.
With parking availability becoming increasingly more limited in urban areas, the introduction of EV-only bays is exacerbating the already existent disdain some drivers have towards the cars. Yahoo News has previously reported on the limited parking in Leichhardt, with some residents choosing to illegally reserve on-street parking in a bid to secure a spot outside their home.
However, the local council remains steadfast that it is required to provide infrastructure for EV drivers. A spokesperson for the Inner West City council told Yahoo it has "rolled out the largest number of kerbside EV charging stations of any council in the nation" and there will be "more to come".
The local council touts itself as the "EV capital of Australia" and currently has installed 102 public EV chargers, with 34 more to be rolled out by the end of June.
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There are many considerations when choosing the location of an EV charging bay, including the power grid capacity of the site, safety considerations, locations of other chargers and adjacent land uses.
When the council was questioned about the perceived prioritisation of parking for EVs over non-EVs, the spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo a council review will commence to gather insight into whether their strategy has worked, and how it can be improved moving forward.
"This data is not currently available. However, a utilisation study is intended to commence six months after the final charger is operational," the spokesperson said.
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