Implementation of low-carbon transport technology in schemes throughout Milton Keynes has resulted in a tripling of the use of electric vehicles (EV) across the city, a council report has claimed.

The local authority’s partner for the vehicle charging points, Chargemaster, has recorded a four-fold increase in usage of the infrastructure throughout the summer.

Whitehall awarded Go Ultra Low City status in January this year to the city with funding being used to grow the use of EVs. As a result, the number of vehicles being used has gone up from 220 in July to 661 by the end of September 2016.

To date, Milton Keyes has 170 standard and 56 rapid charging point with plans already in place to increase the number available in the near future.

Additionally, 157 green parking permit scheme have been issued for ultra low EVs – those that produce less than 75g/km of carbon dioxide - and which enables drivers to park for free in certain bays and specified EVs spaces.

The city has become a by-word for transport innovation having also been the first to trial driverless pods in the city centre.

Cllr Liz Gifford, cabinet member for transport at Milton Keynes Council said: 'These latest stats are very encouraging and show that people are turning more and more to electric vehicles.

'It's important to us to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible and these ultra-low vehicles are the way to do just that.'

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster said: 'The policies of Milton Keynes Council encouraging electric vehicles are clearly working. By having a high quality network of charging points, low cost electric charging and with free parking in many areas Milton Keynes is a great place to own an EV.

'In addition, the new initiatives under the Milton Keynes Go Ultra Low plans will keep this momentum going helped by many new electric models coming along from key manufacturers.'