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A Bristol company hopes to install sockets in lampposts to make it easier to charge electric cars.

The firm OVO is currently working with Berlin-based ‘progressive energy’ company Ubitricity on installing 50 ‘SimpleSockets’ in lampposts on streets in a London borough.

With OVO’s close link with Bristol and the fact that Mayor Marvin Rees has committed to Clean Air Zones earlier this year, Bristol could be next on the list for such an initiative.

Talking in February of this year to the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Mr Rees said: “Air pollution is a serious problem in Bristol and it is unacceptable that lives are at risk because of harmful traffic emissions.

“This isn’t an attack on motorists though – it’s about our wider need to develop a transport system that works best for everyone.

“We hope this funding will help us develop effective and affordable ways to improve air quality, whilst taking into account wider transport measures and traffic congestion, and the impacts of future growth.”

Bristol motorists can help encourage the migration of OVO's lamppost scheme from London to Bristol by expressing their interest on the OVO Website .

OVO and Ubitricity announced their partnership on Monday, November 13. The scheme, in association with Kensington and Chelsea Council, was launched with the intention of allowing residents to charge their electric vehicles with ease across the borough.

Research by OVO suggests that drivers are reluctant to switch to electric vehicles because of a perceived lack of charging stations.

The use of lamp-posts is to help drivers feel that on every street there is potential to charge up when needed.

An OVO spokesman said the scheme would be expanding as soon as possible: “The scheme and further expansion is part of OVO’s ongoing commitment to remove barriers to electric vehicle ownership in urban areas, to address air quality issues and reduce reliance on traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. OVO are starting where its London offices are based but will use this trial to explore expanding further afield at the earliest opportunity.

“We need to replace polluting petrol and diesel vehicles if we’re ever to improve air quality in our cities. Electric vehicles provide a solution – but many urban drivers don’t have off-street parking, so they can’t charge at home.”

These 24-hour charging ports will be located next to pay and display parking bays and can be used by anyone with the compatible charging cable.

There is a charge of £1 for each charging session and a £1 charge for each hour after the first 24 hours.

The charge is part of a deterrent to prevent people leaving their cars plugged in for longer than necessary, which should keep the supply and demand in check.

The money raised from these charges will be used to maintain the equipment and potentially fund future deployments and replacements.

Founded in Bristol in 2009 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, OVO’s mission statement is a commitment to “a greener and fairer energy system”. They are the UK’s leading independent supplier, and serve nearly one million customers.