ELECTRIC car drivers are shunning the charging points on Dorset’s roads because they cost £4 for one hour when other places provide them for free.

That’s the claim made by former Poole council leader Brian Clements, who bought an electric car and said he was shocked to discover how much the authority expected him to pay.

He has accused councils of driving “another nail in the coffin” for local shops and restaurants with the prices.

Mr Clements, who lost his Newtown seat at the 2015 elections, said the ChargerNet service provided across Dorset should be cheaper.

He said: “Having recently bought a second hand electric car, I have been delighted with its economy and efficiency but I was shocked when I saw what I would be expected to pay to use council-provided fast chargers in Poole and other parts of Dorset.

“It is no wonder that the charge points are usually empty. Their prices are way over the top and I suspect most electric vehicle (EV) drivers will stay away from their facility in favour of places that offer a better deal.

“EV drivers paying a small monthly subscription can currently charge in many thousands of locations free of charge with others charging just 9p per unit (kWh).

“Some retailers also offer free charging to their customers. How can our local councils possibly justify charging £4 for one hour, regardless of how much electricity is used – and whacking this up to £12 if a user stays a few minutes over that hour?”

He said 10 units would cost him £1.20 per unit from a ChargeNet point, compared with 12.5p from his home supply.

“This is another nail in the coffin for hard pressed local retailers, restaurants, etc when Salisbury, Southampton and out of town shopping centres offer a better deal,” he said.

“I have had my car since April and managed without ever using one of these Dorset charging points. On the other hand, I recently went to Bath and back. I was able to get a fast charge on each leg of the journey by paying just a regular 40p parking charge on the way up and free (after 6pm) on the way back.”

Poole has four CharagerNet points – at Ashley Road, Old Orchard, Poole Road in Westbourne and Seldown Lane – while Bournemouth has five. Christchurch, Wimborne, Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth each have one.

Borough of Poole had not commented at the time of going to press.