Teignbridge Council says it has ‘grabbed the money’ available from several funding schemes to encourage the move to electric vehicles.

A spokesman said: ‘Although most people will charge electric vehicles from either home or work, Teignbridge Council recognise that they can encourage the transition by the provision of chargers in car parks.’

Rapid charge points have already been installed in Chudleigh and Buckfastleigh as part of a Highways England scheme.

A further four double rapid charger points will follow by February 2022 in Newfoundland Way Car Park and Forde House in Newton Abbot, Eastcliff Car Park in Teignmouth and Barton Hill Car Park in Dawlish.

This funding is part of the Devon Low-Carbon Energy Transport Technology Innovator Fund which used money from the European Regional Development Fund.

A recent bid has been made for a further 12 car park sites across Teignbridge as part of the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme.

This Government money is designed to meet the needs of those residents who are unable to charge at home due to a lack of off street parking but allows for chargers to be placed in car parks in these areas.

The 12 sites are in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, Shaldon, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Ashburton, Starcross and Widecombe. In recognition that most future charging will take place at home and work, Teignbridge Council is already requiring developers of new housing and employment space to also provide EV charging.

Cllr Jackie Hook, Executive Member for Climate Change, said:‘While reducing car use is a key aim going forwards, I recognise that in our largely rural district the car is here to stay.

‘Cars will increasingly be low emission and electric and the District Council has a role in kickstarting charging provision and increasing public confidence to encourage EV purchase.

‘I’m pleased therefore that we will soon see a significant growth of public EV chargers across our district.’