CHARGING points for electrical and hybrid vehicles could soon be available in council-run car parks in Newport.

According to website Zap-Map, which lists every electric vehicle charging point in the UK, there are just nine such points currently in Newport, four of which are at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel.

Electric and hybrid vehicles, which use traditional fuel but also have an electric motor, have risen in popularity in recent years, with sales up 27.5 per cent over the past 12 months.

Over the same period sales of petrol cars rose just 5.2 per cent while diesel sales dropped by almost 10 per cent.

Independent ward member for Rogerstone on Newport City Council Cllr Chris Evans wrote to authority's cabinet member for streetscene Cllr Roger Jeavons expressing concerns about the lack of charging points.

"Independents are committed to a greener future and would like to see Newport lead the way in providing charge points in council-owned car parks," he said.

In a written response Cllr Jeavons said: "The authority has recently recruited an energy and sustainability manager tasked with identifying carbon reduction opportunities for the council.

"As part of his work he is currently reviewing the opportunities for both electric vehicle charging infrastructure for both for council employees and residential use.

"We are also reviewing our existing fleet to identify opportunities to utilise electric vehicles."

Volvo has announced it will stop manufacturing petrol or diesel-only vehicles in 2019.