Calls have been made for Hertfordshire County Council to expand its plans for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The council has been developing a strategy that would see EV points placed in 'destinations' such as supermarkets, leisure outlets and workplaces.

But a cross-party group of councillors wants the council to extend its charging coverage - such as into residential streets and on its own land.

The members discussed the issue at a scrutiny meeting of the council's highways and transport budget proposals on January 18.

Conservative member Cllr Lewis Cocking questioned the council’s concentration on ‘destination’ charging facilities, while government funding was available for alternatives.

And Lib Dem member Cllr Nigel Taylor referred to areas in the county that relied on on-street parking – suggesting a need for charging points on those streets or close-by.

In response, executive member for highways and transport Cllr Phil Bibby pointed to figures that showed there are more EV charging stations in Hertfordshire than petrol stations.

The Tory politician said there are 175 publicly available EV charging stations with 517 charging points, compared to 122 petrol stations.

Discussing the potential barriers to introducing more charging points in streets, Cllr Bibby said it could impact pedestrians and cyclists on pavements, as well as use of permits as well as "complications and obsolescence" of technology.

He suggested charging 'hubs' at the ends of streets may be more appropriate - and added the council is committed to working with district councils to ensure there are sufficient alternative charging stations available.

Ahead of its upcoming budget, the council intends to invest its highways budget in schemes including introducing 20mph areas, drainage to reduce flooding, the A602 in the north of the county and supporting bus networks. The council is also seeking to invest in automatic number plate recognition enforcement if it can secure new legal powers.

The scrutiny committee, chaired by Labour's Cllr Richard Butler, suggested potholes within one metre of a kerb should be prioritised within a new highways maintenance contract due to its impact on cyclists.