MORE electric vehicle charge points could be rolled out across the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area in partnership with a private provider.

Councillors have been told that talks have been taking place for several months with a series of big providers, including international companies.

It is expected that the council will offer the successful provider sites it owns, including areas in car parks, for a share of the charging fee income. A similar scheme with a provider is already in operation across the Dorset Council area.

Director of transport and engineering Julian McLaughlin told councillors this week that he was hopeful an agreement would be reached soon which would allow the electric vehicle charging network to be significantly extended. He said the move would be “a step change” for the council area.

Cllr Tony O’Neill told the council’s overview and scrutiny committee that he hoped the council had also considered becoming its own provider of electric vehicle charge points, allowing it to keep all of the income.