Drivers of regular vehicles will soon face fines for parking in a way that prevents electric vehicle owners from charging up at EV charging stations. Joseph Kim reports.


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Provincial Office parking spot

There is a gas-powered car parked at the electric vehicle charging station.

It boldly occupies the charging spot.

The “No parking” sign is simply ignored.

EV drivers complain.

INTERVIEW
Ko Chang-bae / EV driver
My car has been blocked by a parked car several times at charging stations. When the driver doesn’t answer the phone and the cord doesn’t reach my car, I have to find another station. It’s annoying.
<인터뷰 : 고창배 / 전기차 운전자>
"볼 일 보러 가서 전화도 안 받고 가만히 있으면…충전하려고 하는데 선이 짧아서 못하고 다른 데로 이동한 적도 많았고, 불편했습니다."

Beginning next year, illegal parking at EV charging stations is subject to a fine.

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Eco-friendly Vehicle Act revised in September

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy revised the enforcement ordinance of the Eco-friendly Vehicle Act in September.

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62 parking violations in 2 months at charging stations

In Jeju, 62 illegal parking cases have been found at public charging stations over a two month period since the revision.

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￦100,000 fine for blocking charging station

According to the revision, a 100,000 won fine will be imposed to non-EV drivers who park their cars at public charging stations or a person who places obstacles hindering EVs from charging.

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EV drivers limited to 2 hours of parking after charging

For EV drivers, parking more than 2 hours after quick charging or parking without charging is banned.

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￦200,000 fine for intentional damage to charging station

If a person damages charging facilities on purpose, a 200,000 won fine will be imposed.

INTERVIEW
Park Yeong-su / Team leader, Provincial EV industry office
We’re cracking down on illegal parking by regular cars, which often block EVs at charging stations.
<인터뷰 : 박영수 / 제주도 전기차산업팀장>
"일반적으로 전기차를 소유한 분이 충전하려고 하니 일반 차량들이 장기간 주차하는 사례가 있어서 단속하게 됐습니다."

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

The province is advising non-EV drivers not to hinder EVs at charging stations this year, and will begin imposing fines on illegal occupation of charging spots next year.

Joseph Kim, KCTV