Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced new legislation that will see the introduction of designated public charging bays for the sole use of Electric Vehicles or E-cars.

From Monday 3 September 2012, the growing number of drivers of ecars will have sole use of over 40 public 'opportunity' charge-points bays that are now available in Belfast, Londonderry, Newry, Armagh, Enniskillen and Larne.

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Mr Kennedy said: "The advantages of using an electric vehicle, particularly for short journeys, are being recognised by an increasing number of private motorists and business users.

"Drivers of environmentally friendly ecars, travelling throughout Northern Ireland will benefit by knowing that the charge points we already have in place will be available for their sole use.

"Considering an ecar as an alternative to a petrol of diesel vehicle has just become even more attractive."

Over the next year the number of charge points will increase to approximately 160. In addition, 14 rapid chargers are currently being installed close to major roads that can allow an electric vehicle to charge to 80% of its capacity in just 25 minutes.

(CD)