Hundreds of new electric vehicle charging points are to be rolled out across the Isle of Wight over the next six years.

More than £1.6 million is being invested to expand the current network of 33 publicly-accessible EV points.

The Isle of Wight Council has secured funding through the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme (LEVI).

By 2030, the authority hopes to have more than 500 charge point sockets on the Island.

The council has said it intends to plan for residents that do not have off-street parking.

Councillor Phil Jordan, council Leader and cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: "Transitioning to electric vehicles is key to the achievement of the council’s climate targets and I am delighted and encouraged by the increased demand and usage.

"I look forward to facilitating more charging options for Islanders and visitors alike over the next couple of years.”

The council said more and more drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles, with fully electric vehicles accounting for over 16 per cent of the new UK car market in 2023, according to industry statistics.

Councillor Jordan added: "Many residents and businesses have already embraced electric vehicles, and we know that many more will be keen to do so over the coming years.

"We recognise that for everyone to make the switch, the right charging infrastructure will need to be available around the Island."