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Charging car to remove? In fact, if connected to the column, it is untouchable, even if no longer recharged. And this can be a problem, which is added to the lack of propensity of the municipal police to removal. Consequence: the charging stalls will increasingly be unduly occupied not only by thermal cars, but also by EVs that are no longer in charge. And the extra-charges after the charge are also of little use, if the hourly cost is that of a parking lot …
Charging car to remove? Generally the brigade does not intervene
I live in Riva del Garda, a tourist town on the northern coast of the lake. A pleasant place, which from spring to autumn sees the number of inhabitants almost double. In recent years, many columns have been installed. As anyone who drives electric knows, the recharges of your city are the ones that it never happens (the ground rarely) to use. But to me, when I test cars, I happen to do it. And, every single time I happened to find the stall occupied by thermal cars and I asked the intervention of the brigade, I have always waited for them in vain. Recently, on the occasion of the test of the BMW i4 M50 (see video, from minute 14 onwards)I reached the station ultra Fast of Piazza Catena. Finding an electric car that despite having finished his office, he continued to occupy (unduly) stall. A traffic cop was right on the square. I then asked him if he could intervene to have the car removed.
Too much tolerance with those who occupy the stalls illegally
Il Traffic Laws allows you to extend your stay no later than one hour after the end of the recharge (a quick system by which it can be verified would be useful). The policeman replied that the owner could arrive at any moment. And he invited me to wait 10 minutes. I did it. I then asked again what could be done. At that point she replied: “You know, I can also sanction the car, but the tow truck can’t come at the moment“. IS the same answer which I have received at least 5 times in the past two years. My impression? The unwritten directive it is of maximum tolerance in these situations. You don’t want to leave a bad impression on tourists. Too bad it leaves a bad memory to potential other tourists, who find the stalls unduly occupied. Perhaps the administration does not think about this.
Charging car to remove: how to disconnect the cable? There is no hope…
But now comes the best! A few weeks ago I reached the station ultra FAST in the parking Forum Boarium of Arco (TN). The column was occupied by a Hyundai Kona, which, despite having finished loading, continued to occupy the stall. The sign reads “Do not stop. 0-24. Forced removal. Except electric cars during the charging process“. Again I called the municipal police, asking to intervene. After 30 minutes, no one came. But while I waited (in vain) for the brigade, I asked myself: “And if they arrive and decide to have a tow truck come in to remove the car, how will they disconnect the cable? Will there be a procedure? Will they know it?“I therefore decided to contact the operator of the column directly, Neogy. And the answer was disarming.
Only the owner can have the cable unlocked!
When I explained the situation to the operator of the call centerhe explained to me that unfortunately it would not exist no possible solution to the problem. Technically, Neogy can remotely unlock the cable on the car side, but it can only do it at the request of someone on the phone you qualify as the owner of the car itself. And this therefore also excludes the possibility that the Police (whatever it is) can ask for the release, for the purpose of removing the car.
IN OUR OPINION – The brigade never showed up (I waited over an hour). But even if they did, it seems they couldn’t help me in any way. It is necessary that this regulatory hole is filled as soon as possible. And that the police can ask (or carry out directly) the release in these situations (not emergency, but in any case of necessity). In the meantime, my invitation to everyone who drives an electric car, is to be respectful of others. Many cars offer the option of automatic release of the cable after charging is complete. Here, it costs nothing, and could help in many cases.
– Read also / The shock of Rome: branded columns with anti-abusive sensors –
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