THE future of travel is being fast-tracked for one Winchester community.

Residential streets in Hyde will boast a total of 22 electric vehicle charging points by the end of March.

The area has been selected by Hampshire County Council for its off-street EV charging pilot trial, which will encourage people to ditch their petrol and diesel cars.

Ben Riley of the council's future mobility team said: "One of the biggest challenges that people driving electric vehicle face is that there is not enough off-street parking.

"We are conducting two pilot schemes, one in Winchester and the other in Eastleigh, to prepare for the banning of petrol and diesel cars. The charging spaces in Hyde will not be designated solely to EV users, so residents will not have to worry about losing out on much-needed parking."

The initial 'white boxes' have already been installed in Egbert Road, Nuns Road, Arthur Road, Hyde Abbey Road, and Park Avenue. These will soon be adjusted, ready for use.

Most of the chargers will be attached to street lighting columns, which is less costly and more efficient for the county council.

"The location was selected based on a socio-economic study conducted about a year ago," added Mr Riley. "It identified that SO22 was the most likely area in Winchester with residents who own an EV.

"The street lighting columns also coincide with the footway."

Those interested in using a charging point, other than the three in Park Avenue, will pay via an app where a subscription can be set up. It will cost 25p per kilowatt-hour.

In Park Avenue, the points will take contactless payment but will be more expensive to use. The price was not clarified at the town forum where Mr Riley spoke.

City councillor Paula Ferguson, who represents the St Bartholomew ward containing Hyde, said: "I understand the trial is an 18 month period. Will this give people enough time to be influenced to change their cars?"

She pointed out that most people change their motors on a cycle and may not be in a position to do so whilst the chargers are in place.

But Mr Riley said that the scheme will last for a minimum of three years, and could potentially last for around seven, or ten at a push.

Cllr Dominic Hiscock, who also represents St Bartholomew said: "This has genuinely been well received. I've had several comments from people saying now is the time to buy an electric car, which is of course the purpose of this scheme.

"The only reservations people have regard maintaining the parking spaces outside their homes. This is positive and will be an interesting trial. I'm very glad this has happened on my path and that it happened in Winchester."