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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Miles Brignall

Why was I fined £90 for charging my electric car at Lidl?

Lidl’s popular charging points … but don’t use when the store is closed.
Lidl’s popular charging points … but don’t use when the store is closed. Photograph: The Guardian

I live in London and rely on the public network to charge up my electric car, a Renault Zoe. A few years ago, Lidl introduced rapid chargers, which was great, and I started using its stores, leaving my car on charge while I shopped.

On a Sunday in late October, I needed to charge my vehicle, and, as all units around me were in use, I drove to the Lewisham Lidl I normally use. I arrived at 8am, charged the car for an hour, paid, and left just after 9am. The store was closed at the time.

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