THE number of electric vehicle charging points per head of population in East Hampshire is on a par with the cities of Glasgow, Brighton and Cambridge, according to data from the Department for Transport.

This opportunity to use a battery-powered car in the district was highlighted during a Westminster Hall debate on the net zero carbon reduction target and decarbonising transport introduced by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.

Mr Hinds praised action being taken by local climate groups and individuals in East Hampshire, including installing electric vehicle charging points in key locations such as Petersfield.

There are 22,000 charging points in the UK but more will be needed as the government aims to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035.

Also mentioned in the debate was the Greening Campaign, which was launched in Petersfield in 2008 and spread to 100 other towns and villages.

Opening the debate, Mr Hinds said: “Tackling climate change is a defining challenge of our age. The developed world, with our higher per capita emissions, has a greater responsibility.

"We had our industrial revolution first – so it is right we should be ahead on decarbonising too. I was proud last year when the UK became the first major economy to commit in legislation to net zero.”

He added: “I have been so impressed by the range of groups stepping forward to help make a difference here in East Hampshire, including the re-emergence of the Greening Campaign, the ongoing engagement of students in local schools, and plans to establish a Climate Action Network in Petersfield.

"The effort and ambition is growing, and we’re lucky to have such active support here in East Hampshire.”

Mr Hinds said the number of lorries being driven around towns to make home shopping deliveries could be cut and the Post Office network’s future secured by making it Britain’s biggest click-and-collect service.

He added further cuts in road transport pollution – which accounts for a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions – could be made by using hydrogen fuel for heavy goods vehicles and making electric cars more attractive by developing stronger batteries.

He also highlighted East Hampshire District Council’s plans to plant a tree for every resident in the district and its work to develop a growing network of cycling and walking paths.