EAST Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has installed two new electric vehicle charge points at its offices in Penns Place, Petersfield.

This is the first of the district council’s ambitious plans to build an electric vehicle charging network across the district.

The facility will form part of a national network which electric car owners can use to top up their environmentally-friendly vehicles with electricity.

The charge points were installed as the first of five proposed locations in East Hampshire. More points in Alton, Horndean, Liphook and Whitehill/Bordon are also scheduled to come online.

EHDC also aims to replace its own fleet of vehicles with electric cars.

Adam Carew, the district council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “This is a landmark occasion and I am delighted to be able to launch this exciting project. This marks the very first set of EHDC electric vehicle charging points to go in across our district.

“This work forms part of EHDC’s energy strategy and aims to increase use of electric vehicles by providing the necessary infrastructure.”

Mr Carew added: “Research shows that lack of charging points is the greatest barrier to people and businesses moving over to electric vehicles. This charging point is the first of many, and we hope as many people will use them as possible. By providing the district’s very own electric vehicle charging network for residents, visitors and businesses to use, EHDC is leading the way to a cleaner, greener, economically vibrant East Hampshire.”

To make use of the charge points, register at chargeyourcar.org.uk.