NEW charging points for electric vehicles have been installed in Southampton.

Eight new charging points, two per each car park,  are now available in Woolston at Woodley Road Car Park, Oakbank Road Car Park and Victoria Road Car Park and in Sholing at the Colonnade Car Park.

Southampton City Council’s move comes after 30 charging points were installed in car parks across the city last year.

As reported, Radio Taxi Southampton is now urging the authority to install rapid charging points to enable taxi companies in the city to charge electric vehicles in about 40 minutes.

This comes after Radio Taxi Southampton said to have bought the first all-electric taxi in the city but is forced to use it part-time due to the lack of rapid charging points.

Southampton City Council (SCC) said the new eight charging points recently installed  are fast charging points but it said the next phase of the scheme is expected to be launched later this year and will see more charging points across Bitterne and the introduction of rapid charging points for taxi and private hire vehicles.

Councillor Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city, said: “We’re excited to announce these new installations, which take us one step closer to a city-wide network of electric charging points. As we launch our Green City Charter, this is another positive development that supports our committed vision for a clean, green and healthy city. We look forward to seeing even more charging points come to Bitterne later this year and we are confident that, together with an already attractive range of benefits, these will support people to replace more polluting vehicles with other low emission alternatives.” 

As reported, charging is currently free and owners of electric cars can apply for discount when entering the carparks.

To use the electric vehicle chargers, users will need to register in advance and order a charge card.

Drivers will also need a standard Type 2 Socket, which either come with the car or can be purchased from any electric vehicle charging retailer.