Thousands of new electric vehicle charging points are set to be installed across Hertfordshire – with residents being asked to help decide where they are most needed.

Hertfordshire County Council has appointed three electric vehicle charging operators to significantly expand the county's public charging network over the next three years.

Urban Fox Networks, Believ and Zest Eco will work with the authority to deliver more than 4,000 new chargepoints, providing more than 8,000 charging sockets across Hertfordshire.

The programme will particularly target areas where residents do not have their own driveways or other access to off-street parking.

Hertfordshire already has more than 2,500 public chargepoints, providing upwards of 5,000 sockets, but the latest rollout will substantially increase that network.

Residents will have a say in where the new infrastructure is installed, with previous feedback already used to identify potential locations.

Communities will also be able to comment on proposals as individual sites are developed.

The scheme is being funded through a combination of the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and private investment from the three charging companies.

The Government is providing £1.8 million towards the rollout.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Hertfordshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, said access to charging remained a particular problem for people without driveways.

He said: "We know that access to charging can be a challenge, especially for those without a driveway, and that can be a real barrier when it comes to switching to an electric vehicle.

"By putting residents at the centre of our plans, we can deliver solutions that work for our communities and help remove those barriers.

"Whether it's requesting a chargepoint near your home or introducing new on-street infrastructure, we are committed to building a network that is accessible, reliable and ready for the future."

Local Transport and Sustainability Minister Simon Lightwood said the £1.8 million investment would support the rollout of more than 4,000 chargers and make it easier for motorists to charge their vehicles wherever they live or travel.

The county council is also experimenting with another solution for households without driveways.

A trial in the St Albans district allows residents to install cross-pavement channels, enabling a charging cable to safely run between a home electricity supply and a vehicle parked on the street.

So far, the council has received 40 applications for the scheme and approved 13 licences, with the first installations expected in the coming weeks.

Residents in Hitchin and elsewhere in Hertfordshire can suggest locations where they believe new public charging points should be installed through the county council's website.

Suggest a location for an EV chargepoint⁠