A CONSULTATION has started led by Ludlow Town Council to find out where people would like vehicle electric charging points.

It began in the week that Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he wanted to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Last month the Ludlow Co-wheel group replaced its diesel cars with Japanese hybrid vehicles ahead of what it is hoped will eventually be a move towards an all electric fleet.

Barriers to people buying electric cars include price, the relatively short range, especially compared with diesels and the shortage of convenient charging points.

It is this issue that the consultation hopes to help to address.

Ludlow Town Council’s consultation is being conducted in partnership with Ludlow 21’s Sustainable Transport Group.

The survey asks about the extent of electric car ownership and for views on installing on-street charging points around the town. The consultation is open until December 16 and can be completed via the council’s website.

Boris Johnson presents a challenge to consumers, manufacturers and councils.

“However, manufacturers have been gearing up to deliver the all-electric transport age and part of Johnson’s promise is to deliver the factories needed to produce batteries.,” said Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North.

Mr Boddington thinks most people would replace vehicles that use fossil fuels with those that use electricity if they could get the comfort and range within a price that they could afford.

“ Councils face one of the biggest challenges in providing on-street charging infrastructure,” added Mr Boddington.

“Charging points in car parks are straightforward and we already have two charging bays in the Galdeford car park. But installing enough charging points in neighbourhoods without off street parking will be a challenge, especially in historic towns like Ludlow.”