DOZENS of electric charging points could be introduced across car parks in the Winchester district.

The City Council’s cabinet has rubber stamped the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, which recommends installing nearly 50 electric vehicle chargers across 58 parking bays.

These plans underpin the council’s scheme to improve air quality in the district and follows the announcement of the Government’s clean air strategy, which includes the pledge to stop sales of petrol or diesel powered cars and vans by 2040.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cllr Jan Warwick, said: "Electric vehicles are an increasingly common sight on roads across the country and they play an important role in improving air quality, one of the key ways we are working to improve the quality of our environment across the district.

"This Strategy will ensure electric vehicle drivers can visit and commute comfortably in the Winchester district with the reassurance they have somewhere to park their car where it can be charged."

Chargers could be installed over the next five years at locations including 25 Winchester City Council car parks, 13 park and ride car parks, 12 rural and town car parks, and three on-street parking bays in the city centre.

The strategy also suggests three electric charge points at the new sport and leisure centre in Bar End, and four chargers specifically for taxis.

Funding options for the chargers will be decided at a later date following a feasibility study.