The complaint addressed to the Ombudsman referred to an irregular parking of a combustion vehicle in a supply station exclusively for electric vehicles, which was dealt by the 2nd PSP Police Station of Lisbon. The complainant was informed that the vehicle would be towed immediately and she should stay there until the arrival of the trailer. However, the trailer never arrived. In consequence it was noted a flagrant poor coordination between all supervising authorities mainly in what concerns the way these situations of irregular parking are handled. The enquiry phase revealed a different understanding and procedure from the three supervising authorities involved, such as the PSP, the Municipal Police and the EMEL. The PSP and Municipal Police do not consider the present situation is not under the article no 164 of the Road Traffic Act so the vehicle irregularly parked should be fined but not towed as the supply station is not properly signalled giving permission for the electric vehicles parking. The EMEL goes a little further pointing out that in the absence of the appropriate signalling there is no legal ground for them to take any action. In what concerns the coordination model between all supervising authorities the PSP informed they comply with the Parking Regulations in the Lisbon city and the Law decree no 44/2005 of February 23. On another side, the Municipal Police of Lisbon acknowledged a poor coordination with other supervising bodies and their lack of information resources to identify and locate all supply stations existent in Lisbon. The EMEL, responsible for supervising the parking activity in Lisbon, informed they act in articulation with the PSP and the Municipal Police. All three above mentioned authorities mentioned the lack of instruments allowing the correct and full location of the supply stations for electric vehicles. In what regards the signalling issue for the purpose of this complaint and in accordance to the applicable law it is imperative affixing an informative signal for authorised parking for electric vehicles only at the supply stations. Otherwise the provisions of the article No. 164 of the Road Traffic Act could not be applicable in full and consequently only a fine could be issued. Lastly is imperative to highlight the inadequate response time in what concerns towing a car. Currently both the PSP and the Municipal Police need in average three hours. Given the complainant is forced to remain in place for the same period of time, this becomes unworkable to them. The Ombudsman acknowledges the lack of resources but suggests a change in this procedure allowing the complainant to leave the place even if the trailer has not arrived at that time, namely if the vehicle is parked in supply stations, zebra cross and garages. | 145

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents