More than 150 electric vehicle charge points will be installed across Cornwall after the Council secured funding to boost access for residents.

The new units will be installed in a range of locations including Council car parks and offices, as well as in communities where there is currently limited charge point availability.

Having made a successful bid to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for £2.9m, the Council has committed a further £725,000 to cover the remaining cost.

By 2023 there will be more than 360 public charging points available in Cornwall.

Last week the Government announced plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Improving access to charging points well before this date, says Cornwall Council, will help residents make the switch to electric or hybrid vehicles and help cut carbon emissions.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council cabinet member for climate change, said: “With road transport accounting for 22% of Cornwall’s carbon footprint, reducing it needs to be a focus of our activity.

“We have to reduce the amount of miles we drive independently and the type of vehicles we use to get around. Travel in Cornwall isn’t as easy as in major cities where public transport is more readily available, but with electric vehicles becoming more widely available we have to increase the infrastructure to support them and help people make the switch.

“Having enough charging points is an important step to make electric vehicles a credible sustainable choice in Cornwall. I would also like to see more financial incentives from industry and government to enable people to make the switch.”