MALVERN residents will be well placed to embrace the rapid growth in the electric car market that is anticipated over the next few years.

As fuel prices continue to spiral, councillors this week approved plans to install a network of electric vehicle charging points in car parks around the district.

The move comes about after Malvern was selected as one of four West Midlands locations selected for ‘Plugged-in Places, a £6.3 million Government-backed programme to encourage environmentally-friendly transport options.

Introducing the plan at a meeting of MHDC’s executive committee on Tuesday (February 15), head of customer and environmental services Ivor Pumfrey said: “I think that we stand on the brink of very significant changes in the motor industry and the habits of the travelling public. It is now £1.36 a litre for diesel at the pumps and it seems that charge is only going to go upwards.

“The change to electric cars will happen and the infrastructure must be in place. I believe that this is another example of this council having the opportunity to be at the forefront of change and in a position to benefit from it.”

Coun Bronwen Behan, responsible for environment, added: “I think that of all the places in the country, Malvern is one where there are residents who will embrace this technology.”

MHDC plans to install the charging posts in its long stay car parks, and charge a combined tariff for parking and use of the service.

Each post can charge up to four vehicles and delivers a full charge in eight hours, or a “useful top-up” in significantly less time.

Taking into account financial support from Plugged-in Places, MHDC anticipates installation will cost about £18,000. Operation, maintenance and electricity costs will be recovered from people using the service.

Executive members voted unanimously in favour of proceeding with the scheme.