Plans have been announced to provide more support for green drivers to encourage greater use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. A key development will be removal of the need for planning permission to install power points on streets and in outdoor car parks.

Councils are to be at the forefront of an electric car revolution making it easier for drivers to make green choices. Ministers are urging councils to promote electric vehicle charging points in new developments, without making developments unaffordable.

Ministers believe people will embrace new technology and take practical steps to adopt a lifestyle kinder to the environment if they are given the right support by central and local government. This means more charging points across the country in order to increase the mass market appeal of electric vehicles.

Over £400m has been made available to promote the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicle technologies and there will be continued investment in electric vehicle recharging infrastructure through the Government’s ‘Plugged-In Places Scheme’. The Plug-In Car Grant will reduce the cost of eligible cars by a quarter, up to a maximum of £5,000.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: “Electric cars have the potential to revolutionise motoring in the 21st Century allowing us to have the benefits of a car without damaging the environment. This Government recognises that cars are a lifeline for many people – and that by supporting the next generation of electric and other ultra-low emission vehicles, it can enable sustainable green motoring to be a long-term part of Britain’s future transport planning.”