MOTORISTS can plug into a greener way of getting around Basingstoke and Deane, thanks to the number of council electric vehicle charging points more than trebling.

Five new points have been introduced in Eastlands and Parklands car parks, joining existing charging points in Central car park and Churchill Way car park and bringing the total number to seven.

They were installed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to encourage the use of greener forms of transport and to reduce local carbon emissions.

The new chargers are used primarily by staff and visitors at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, but there are opportunities for the public to charge their electric cars during evenings and weekends.

The charger in Eastlands is open for all to use during the weekend, and the charger on the upper floor of Parklands can be used by the public from 7pm until 8am and throughout the weekend.

Three chargers, which have been installed in lower Parklands, are used by council staff.

Cabinet member for environment and enforcement at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Councillor, Hayley Eachus, said: “With increasing use of electric and hybrid cars, there is now more demand for electric charge points and the council is pleased to support this

.”

The scheme forms part of a wider council drive to reduce carbon emissions.