ROMSEY could be about to have a new electric vehicle charging point.

Hampshire County Council is to create 40 electric vehicle charging sites across the region – but they will only be available to public sector bodies. At its Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel meeting, officers disclosed plans to install the points in an effort to get more renewable vehicles on the road. However, it will only benefit council-operated transport, as the authority looks to bring in more electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet.

As previously reported, some staff at the authority were given electric vehicles to help reduce pollution around Hampshire. The cost or location of the sites have not been revealed, or how many charging points will be at each one, but Steve Clow, head of property services at the county council, said that several public bodies were keen to switch to EVs.

It means that Romsey could be a possible destination. “We have had lots and lots of engagement from across the county; lots of interest,” he added. “We are making great progress and we’re generally surprised by the amount of interest.” It was also revealed that the council is set to spend £6.7 million replacing hundreds of lights across the county with LED bulbs, in a bid to become more energy efficient. This, officers predict, will save 1.15 million per year – making back their investment in six years.