The first kerbside electric car charging points in the UK were launched today in south London.

Connected Kerb, the British company behind the system, said it expected the trial scheme to expand into a London-wide network.

It incorporates a number of charging points embedded into the kerbside, making them easier to access than traditional points.

Paul Ayres, chief operating officer for Connected Kerb, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our first kerbside charging and connectivity deployment in Borough Road, Southwark, and have been particularly impressed by Southwark Council’s pioneering adoption of the technology.

“As electric vehicle ownership increases at pace, the need for a nationwide infrastructure has become critical, and we are delighted that London electric vehicle motorists will be among the first to benefit.”

The company is working alongside the council and has backing from Virgin Media and the National Grid as well.

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Not only do the chargers replenish an electric car’s battery, but they act as internet connectivity points for drivers as well. They can also provide environmental, weather and traffic monitoring data for local authorities.

2 of the 4 new EV charging points installed by @ConnectedKerb on Borough Road @se1 . Not only electric vehicle charging but also air quality monitoring, superfast broadband, parking bay monitoring. Great that @lb_southwark is the pilot for this! pic.twitter.com/o8zGHk3Dap — Richard Livingstone (@Livingstone_RJ) January 29, 2019

Cllr Richard Livingstone, cabinet member for environment, transport management and air quality, said: “We are happy to be supporting the trial of Connected Kerb’s first electric vehicle charge points and hope that they will help local electric vehicle users.

“We also hope that the data supplied from air quality monitors within the chargers will add to the council’s existing air quality monitoring network.”