SHROPSHIRE is failing to keep pace with the national rollout of electric vehicle charging points, figures reveal.

The Policy Exchange, which is a think tank, says there are still charging 'blackspots' in regions across the UK, adding the speed of installations needs to increase to meet growing demand.

There were 58 public charging points in Shropshire at the start of January, according to figures from the Department for Transport (DfT).

That is a rate of 18 per 100,000 people, lower than the UK average of 31.

Since October 2019 – when figures began at a local authority level – Shropshire has seen 20 devices added to its supply.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England, welcomed the support, but said 'longer-term resourcing' was needed.

Transport spokesman for the LGA, David Renard added: "Councils are working hard to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their areas but are doing so against competing demands on their time and local circumstances will vary."

Electric cars have surged in popularity with manufacturers currently supplying a record number.

There were 1,321 electric vehicles licensed to addresses in Shropshire at the end of September 2020, according to latest DfT data – up by 37 per cent from 961 in September 2019.

Meanwhile, across the UK, an additional 5,700 devices were made available over the same period, taking the total number up to 20,800 at the start of this year.

In November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought forward the ban on petrol car sales from 2040 to 2030 as part of a 'green industrial revolution' to tackle climate change.

A DfT spokesperson added: "This government has committed £1.3 billion to rolling out charging infrastructure, and we would urge councils to use the funding we have made available to ensure their residents can access charge points.

"We have already supported the installation of more than 150,000 residential and almost 21,000 public charge points, and with further funding announced last week, even more people are set to benefit from better charge point access."