A JOINT study is being launched by the five Gwent councils on the need for more electric vehicle charging points across the region.

Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly councils are conducting a feasibility study on the need to increase charging points.

It comes after the Welsh Government announced last October that £2million will be invested into creating a new network of charging points by 2020.

A consultation is being launched by Blaenau Gwent council which will go live on its website from Tuesday, April 30.

A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent council said: "The council wants to hear the views of local residents on the need for this service and locations where they could be placed.

"Findings from the feasibility study will help the council plan its future provision.

"Providing electric vehicle charging points across Blaenau Gwent will help us work towards a greener, cleaner environment.

"We would like residents in Blaenau Gwent to get in touch with the council if they have a current need for charging or would consider switching to an electric vehicle if on-street charging was available."

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A joint application for funding from the from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to cover part of the cost of on-street residential charge points has to be submitted by the five Gwent councils by the end of May.

The purpose of the consultation will be to demonstrate the level of demand in each of the five local authority areas, as support information for the application.

Blaenau Gwent council says it is particularly keen to hear from residents who have or are considering an electric car but who cannot park or charge off-street near their property.

Residents in Blaenau Gwent will be able to give their views by visiting blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/council/consultations.

They are asked to include their street name and postcode so the council can prioritise areas where most demand exists and to support any funding applications.