CHARGING points for Gloucestershire’s electric police cars have been installed around the county.

The cost has been reduced to the constabulary with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, part of the Department of Transport, picking-up 75 per cent of the £125,757 bill.

The plug-in points have been installed at 11 different locations.

The government grant of £94,318 has been put towards the cost and the remaining £31,439 paid by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The agreement, which also includes three years' maintenance and warranty, was reached before the recent PCC election but could not be announced in case it affected the outcome.

Mr Surl said: “We’ve carried out a number of trials to make sure the technology is right for the police as using electric cars for certain types of jobs not only helps to save money, but is better for the environment.

“We know from the Volkswagen emissions scandal that diesels are not as good for the environment as we thought. I believe battery-powered cars are the way forward and in 10 years time, perhaps all of Gloucestershire’s police cars could be electric.

“Other forces could also follow suit because I believe the police can and should make an important contribution to reducing emissions by using cleaner vehicles”.

In line with his election manifesto, Mr Surl is keen for the force to adopt a greener option and in March this year bought seven Nissan Leafs. Three are marked cars for use in urban areas. The other four will be unmarked for use in other operations.