PLANS to install electric vehicle charging points in Winchester and the market towns are hoped to attract more visitors.

A £120,000 scheme for Winchester City Council to be at the forefront of electric vehicle charging were brought before cabinet and was met with a positive response.

Civic chiefs are aiming to install close to 40 charging points in the city, along with its market towns, to encourage greater uptake of electric vehicles (EV).

Work has already begun to scope out where the outlets could be placed and the authority has joined forces with JoJu, pioneers in the renewables industry, to pave the way forward for the network, with must of the cost being covered by the company.

Presenting the idea, Cllr Jackie Porter, cabinet member for built environment and wellbeing, said: “Air quality is important to us all and this council has already started to address this with improved walking, cycling routes and looking at public transport access.

“We must give confidence to electric car owners both residents and visitors importantly by provision of fuelling points… but it shouldn’t be at too greater cost or risk to the council taxpayer.

“The forecast of electric vehicle use is difficult to predict, although we know that this area is one of those most likely to be a higher take up there are other considerations that need to be taken into account.”

The council said that it is looking at a number of situations which is determining where the network will extend.

And in the future the council plan to look at installing points for homes in council estates, businesses in the city, along with park and ride sites. It has also challenged Hampshire County Council with installing on street points by 2021/22 as part of the Winchester Movement Strategy.

Following the presentation, council leader Cllr Lucille Thompson said: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity to encourage the use of electric vehicles. I think if we can get these points in as soon as possible it will encourage more visitors to our city and market towns because they will be on the app that I am told users of electric cars use.”

Cabinet members unanimously agreed to approve funding for the network and back proposals to extend availability in the future.