Drivers of electric vehicles will be able to ‘park to recharge’ at the first charging points installed in Southall.

Three charging points have been installed at Featherstone car park in Southall, as well as three points at Dean Gardens car park in West Ealing. More points are planned for Perivale Station car park.

The driver just pays the normal hourly rate to park in the relevant car park and then plugs their electric car or van in to recharge its battery. Both car parks are free to use from 6pm and vehicles can be left overnight.

There is no charge for the electricity used, only an annual membership fee of £10 to join Source, a network set up by the Mayor of London and Transport for London.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and environment said: “We are committed to reducing harmful air pollution from vehicles by encouraging cycling, walking and using public transport where possible.

"Electric cars are a great way to have cheap fuel for getting around the city."

"We have also invested in car clubs which allow drivers to hire petrol cars on a casual basis rather than have to invest in a car and all of the running costs."

Electric cars are exempt from road tax and the London Congestion charge. Other benefits are lower fuel costs and less pollution.