Motorists using electric vehicle charging points in Isle of Wight Council car parks will be required to pay the normal parking tariff from Monday, 16th November 2026.
The change will bring electric vehicle parking arrangements into line with those that apply to all other vehicles using council-operated car parks.
The free parking concession was introduced in 2023 as a temporary measure to support the uptake of electric vehicles and encourage the use of the council’s expanding charging infrastructure. Since then, the number of charging sessions across the Island’s council car parks has grown significantly.
The original end date for the concession was 31st December 2024.
However, as the council continues to address unprecedented financial pressures and work towards setting a balanced budget for 2027/28, it has reviewed all discretionary expenditure and concessions.
The council is currently forecasting a significant budget gap and, like local authorities across the country, is facing increasing demand for essential services alongside rising costs.
Michelle Love, service director for highways and community protection, said:
“We recognise that this change will be disappointing for some electric vehicle users, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.
Article continues below this advertisement “The free parking concession was always intended as a temporary measure to support the transition to electric vehicles. With electric vehicle ownership continuing to grow and charging infrastructure now well established across our car parks, we believe it is appropriate to move to a more consistent approach for all motorists.
“Every vehicle occupies a parking space, regardless of how it is powered, and this change helps ensure that parking arrangements are fair, equitable and financially sustainable.
“At a time when the council must carefully consider every area of spending and income generation, we have to balance support for motorists with our responsibility to protect essential public services.”
Drivers using electric vehicle charging points will continue to be able to access charging facilities as normal. However, they will need to pay both the relevant parking tariff and the charging costs associated with their session.
Motorists are advised to ensure their charging session has successfully started before purchasing parking time.
The council said the move also reflects the approach taken by many other local authorities, where electric vehicle users are required to pay standard parking charges in addition to any charging fees.
