A SERIES of measures to encourage Bournemouth motorists to switch to electric cars have been announced.

Advocates for the alternative form of transport hosted a roadshow in the town centre on Thursday afternoon as part of the government's Green GB week.

This coincided with Cllr Mike Greene, Bournemouth council's portfolio holder for transport, launching plans to endorse the use of zero-emission vehicles.

These measures included offering reduced parking tariffs and delivering a two-year pilot scheme where drivers can use some bus lanes around the borough.

Cllr Greene said the move was part of the authority's drive towards sustainable transport.

"We're a green economy leader and we need to use that to stand up, take some risks, but to be part of this change which should be happening nationally," he said.

"I'm determined to get this going in Bournemouth and I would very much like to see the parts of the conurbation joining in as well."

The parking policy alterations for the discount is already being worked on by the council and the pay by phone operators have said they can facilitate the proposal.

A consultation on the bus lane usage is likely to begin in the next few months.

Cllr Greene added: "Clean transport is key to the UK’s air quality improvement, and sustainable and green economy success.

As a country we still lag a long way behind Norway and China in the number of electric vehicles on our roads.

"These vehicles are undoubtedly the future and provide unrivalled benefits in terms of reduced pollution and cost, which is why we are so excited to bring this roadshow event to Bournemouth.”

A display of electric vehicles from local dealerships were on show in the Square on Thursday.

Bournemouth was one of four sites that the roadshow visited, with residents having the opportunity to test drive some of the electric cars on display.

Colin Boyton, event manager for the roadshow, which was organised by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, said: "We're trying to take electric vehicles to the masses.

"The move to electric vehicles is all about trying to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

"The best way to get people to convert is to get them behind the wheel.

"I have never met anybody who has got out of an electric car and said they don't like it."

Mr Boyton said switching to electric can help drivers save money, with tax exemptions and cheaper running costs compared to petrol vehicles.