HELENSBURGH and Lomond motorists with electric vehicles will have to pay a fee to use local authority charging points from next month.

Argyll and Bute Council is set to introduce charges for using its services from April 9, bringing it in line with many other Scottish local authorities.

The council says it has increased its electric vehicle charging network to 28 points across the area as part of its commitment to reduce the impact of climate change.

According to ChargePlace Scotland there are currently 10 electric vehicle charging points in Helensburgh and Lomond, run by the council and other organisations.

They are located at: Cardross railway station; Argyll College UHI in Townhead Road, Helensburgh; Helensburgh Central railway station; Helensburgh pier car park and West Clyde Street car park; Loch Long public car park; and Cove Burgh Hall.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Some of the charging points in Helensburgh and LomondSome of the charging points in Helensburgh and Lomond

Helensburgh's Morrisons supermarket on Cardross Road has also announced plans to install a charging point in the store's car park.

READ MORE: Morrisons' Helensburgh supermarket plans electric car charging point

So far, EV users have been able to charge their vehicles free of charge. However, the council agreed at its budget meeting in February to introduce a nominal fee to cover the cost of the electricity, with a small contribution towards the upkeep of the system.

To use charge points on the ChargePlace Scotland network, drivers need to first order an access card, which costs £20 per card every year.

A minimum charge of £1.80 will also be introduced from April, along with a new tariff of £0.25/kWh.

For more information on locations of the EV charging points and fees, visit the council website: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ev.