A pilot project has been rolled out to install a new charging point for electric car and van drivers in Hounslow.

The new technology, designed by German trailblazer Ubitricity, can be fitted for just £71 (100 Euros), a fraction of the traditional public charge points which cost around £6,000.

The trial, which will be test driven by the borough's hybrid fleet drivers, hopes to be a winning greener solution to encourage people to buy more eco-friendly vehicles which will in turn drastically reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Currently eco-friendly cars cost in the region of £30,000 plus but this is going down, and with a cheaper charging point that can be fitted into existing lamp posts, more boroughs may follow in Hounslow's footsteps.

Hounslow Council cabinet member for environment Amrit Mann, said: “Although the cost of electric vehicles is still stubbornly more expensive than petrol or diesel, the price is coming down and the cost to the environment of combustion engines is immense.

“The appetite for electric cars is there and the more people that have them the cheaper they will become.

“It is therefore very exciting to be involved in this pilot project.”

The project has come about in order to find a charging solution for residents who do not have access to off-street parking, which is known to be a significant barrier to purchasing an electric vehicle.

While people with off-street parking can charge their cars at home, those without can use a public charge as long as the driver brings a cable which contains a meter, which is how they are charged.

If the pilot is a success the council will look at installing power points across the borough to entice more people into buying electric cars and vans.

Hounslow is the only council in the UK to trial the German technology, along with Amsterdam and Berlin in Europe.