A HAMPSHIRE council is preparing to launch 18 new electric charging points in a bid to cater for the growing number of electric cars.

Test Valley Borough Council will be installing the new charging points at eight new locations in Romsey and Andover over the next few weeks.

In Romsey, the new points will be installed at Alma Road, Lortemore Place and Princes Road, while the other points will be located in the Chantry Centre, Shepherds Spring Lane, George Yard, South Street and Borden Gates car parks in Andover.

Work to install the charging points began on Monday, November 4, in Lortemore Place and Bordon Gates.

This comes as the council prepares to declare a climate emergency next month.

The cash injection for the charging points is being given by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and Swedish utility company Vattenfall. It will be delivered by the council’s partner for this project, Joju Charging.

Planning and transport portfolio holder, cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “We have to make sure we are not just keeping up with change, but trying our best to stay one step ahead.

"There is a growing number of electric vehicles driving in our borough and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to top up their charges at a number of our car parks.

“We are taking the proposition of a climate change emergency extremely seriously so I’m pleased that this is a step we have been able to take.”

Vattenfall’s Director for InCharge in the UK, Anthony Hinde, said: “It’s great to forge this partnership with Test Valley Borough Council.

"With Vattenfall’s InCharge, we are determined to put the driver first and enable fossil free living within one generation.

"Our charging stations, combined with future roaming agreements with other charging station operators, will improve the electric vehicle driver experience in Hampshire and across Britain.”

The 18 charging points will provide a full charge for most vehicles between one and four hours depending on size and the vehicle’s technology.

There are already a range of other points across the borough – including a rapid charger at Romsey Rapids.