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5 months ago
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Electric vehicle owners have slammed the driver of a Ford Ranger for blocking a charging station and hiding its battery cable.
The utility took up the parking space at Sylvia Parks Shopping Centre in Mount Wellington, Auckland's south-east, in May.
A passerby uploaded a photo of the brazen act to Reddit with the image showing the charging cable placed inside the tub on the back of the vehicle.
Hundreds of motorists slammed the driver over the selfish act.
'These guys definitely think they're funny for inconveniencing people,' one wrote.
The Ford Ranger ute took up a parking space (pictured) in front of the charging station at Sylvia Parks Shopping Centre, in Mount Wellington in Auckland's southeast last month
'Probably thinks he is so smart taking a spot from an EV,' another wrote.
Others suggested the motorist could be charging an electric vehicle which was in the tub.
'There’s a chance he’s actually charging something in there. You can charge e-[motor] bikes with those chargers, one wrote.
'The LED [indicator lights] is GREEN something in the bed is charging. Probably a large solar generator,' another added.
'All those that jumped to conclusions and proposed vandalizing this persons car or attempting to publicly shame them, where are the apologies?'
Electric vehicle owners who use a charging station will be notified their vehicle is being charged by indicator lights.
Motorists slammed the entitled act by the driver however some, defended the driver by saying they could be charging an electric powered source inside the tub (stock image)
Motorists in Australia will face hefty fines for iilegally using an EV charging space (stock image)
These lights appear on the vehicle display or on the charging station.
Motorists in Australia who illegally take up electric vehicle parking spaces face hefty fines.
Drivers of petrol cars risk copping up to $3,200 in the ACT.
The fine also applies to any vehicle parked in the space and that isn't plugged into the charging cable.
The same offence carries a $3,096 fine in Queensland, while motorists in NSW will be slugged up to $2,200.
The New Zealand government passed new laws last year to punish motorists who park in a space that can only be used by electric vehicles.
The amendment was made to the Land Transport (Road User) Rule.
The law states that 'a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand, or park the vehicle in a parking area reserved for the charging of electric vehicles.'
Motorists are only allowed to use the EV charging space if they own an electric vehicle.
How much will motorists be fined for illegally parking in an EV charging space?
Victoria
Fines of up to $1,153 apply to motorists who stop in a parking area of a charging space, with signage designated for electric vehicles.
NSW
Fines of up to $2,200 apply for stopping in an EV charging area, if the vehicle is not plugged in or for parking a petrol or diesel vehicle in an EV space.
Queensland
Similar rules apply in the Sunshine State, however the fine is much more dear with motorists risking a $3,096 fee.
ACT
There are also similar rules in place in the nation's capital, with motorists slugged a massive $3,200 for the offence.
South Australia
Drivers will face fines of up to $75 for parking in an EV parking space and $111, for parking in a designated electric vehicle area and not plugging in the charging cable.
Tasmania
Similar rules are in place in the southern state. Drivers can be fined $195 while owners of bicycles can be fined $97.
Northern Territory
Drivers may be fined however an exact amount had not been specified.
Western Australia: Fines are yet to be announced however some jurisdictions across the state, enforce regulations targeting drivers who illegally park their vehicle in EV parking spaces.
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