Cotswold District Council's cabinet has approved a strategy designed to accelerate the introduction of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The plan will see the phased installation of charging points in the council's public car parks with fresh sits and upgrades in market towns ahead of a roll out across the district.

Working with landowners the council, which plans to agree an installer this month ahead of installations starting later this year, is aiming to the network will cover the whole of the Cotswolds.

The council will work with tenants to support the installation of charging points while work is underway to introduce electric and hybrid vehicles to its own fleet.

It is seeking to maximise the use of green technology in any developments or conversionsto reduce the carbon impact of buildings, aiming for net carbon zero wherever feasible.

Councillor Rachel Coxcoon, cabinet member for climate change, said: "We know that many of our residents are keen to reduce their impact on the environment but face challenges in switching to electric vehicles due to the current lack of charging provision across the district.

"With this new strategy and approach to the delivery of charging infrastructure, we intend to lead, rather than follow, the switch to electric vehicles.

"This is the first step in the development of a comprehensive sustainable transport strategy for the district."

She continued: "Although we are not the highways authority, we want to do everything in our power to give residents the choice and opportunity to opt for safe and appealing modes of active and public transport whenever they need it.

Richard Jones, managing director of Gloucester-based charging point installer JEC Electrical said: "Well done Cotswold District Council - this is very forward thinking!"

"A combination of home, workplace and public charge-points such as these will help with the transition to electric vehicles. Very exciting times."