Motorists in Islington will now find it easier to switch to electric vehicles, as the council installs charging points in the borough. <br><br>Drivers can plug in their cars at Highbury Crescent, N5, and Tufnell Park Road, N7. <br><br>The pilot scheme will cost electric vehicle owners £17 a year (for administration, postage and packaging), plus a one-off refundable deposit of £50 for the use of a cable. <br><br>Electric vehicle owners will also be consulted on the possibility of setting up a pay-as-you-go system to pay for the electricity used.<br><br>Councillor Lucy Watt, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "I know that more and more people here in Islington will be choosing to drive an electric car. <br><br>"We want to be able to support our residents who want a greener lifestyle in a real and practical way -- which is exactly what we're doing with these new charging points. <br><br>"Of course, being at the cutting edge of technology means that everything may not be perfect straight away, but we'll be listening to feedback from people using this new equipment -- and, if things can be done better, we'll make sure that they are."<br><br>Drivers who subscribe to the scheme will receive a permit and a cable to plug into the charging unit. <br><br>Transport for London (TfL) provided £50,000 funding for the two recharging bays. <br>Alex Williams, Director of Borough Partnerships for TfL said: "TfL is committed to helping people travel in a sustainable way, and to lowering transport related emissions across the Capital. <br>"Driving electric cars will help transform London into a greener city by improving air quality. The new recharging bays are a practical way of helping people to make a difference to the environment by changing the way that they travel." <br><br>Electric vehicle owners will also be consulted on the possibility of setting up a pay-as-you-go system.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009