The future of motoring looks electric with the ban of petrol and diesel cars set for 2040.

Electric vehicles are increasing rapidly in Richmond, evident from more requests for public charging points.

The Mayor of Richmond has kept with the times by also switching to a cheap-to-run electric car.

An eco-friendly Hyundai IONIQ replaces the old diesel Jaguar XJ , complete with a personalised LB65 RUT number plate, which will be used by mayors and deputies to attend civic events.

Councillor Lisa Blakemore, Mayor, said: “As the first citizen of the borough, it is appropriate that I should lead by example, and I’m more than happy to have this new ‘eco’ car.

“It represents the cutting edge of fuel-efficient technology and will massively reduce carbon emissions generated by Mayor’s engagements – on average more than 300 trips every year.”

The car can be recharged from a specialist charging point or a standard electric socket (after inspection by an electrician) and the makers claim the car costs less than 1.5p per mile to run.

Now the Council is looking to install more electric car charging points in the borough.

To date, seven kerbside sites have received planning permission, each with two or three charging points - installation is starting soon.

Following this consultation, a further twenty-five potential locations will be selected, each with three charging points.

Councillor Peter Buckwell, cabinet member for highways and street scene, said: “As part of the effort to improve air quality in this borough and beyond we want to enable residents to switch to more environmentally friendly electric vehicles by making them more convenient to use across the borough.

“These publicly-available charging points will form part of a wider charging network, to also including charging at lamp-posts, so EV or hybrid owners will have plenty of options for charging their vehicles when driving around London.

If you are an owner or potential owner of one of these vehicles I urge you to take part in this consultation.”

The consultation runs until March 11, 2018. Visit https://haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/electric-vehicle-18 to see the list of proposed sites and leave your views.