BOURNEMOUTH, Christchurch and Poole are falling behind on installing electric car charging points, according to a new government league table.

Transport Minister Grant Shapps has called on councils to do more to make electric cars the "new normal", after figures revealed gaps in the country's electric infrastructure.

The Department for Transport estimates there were just 58 public charging devices in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at the beginning of October.

That's a rate of 15 devices per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the UK average of 23 per 100,000 people.

The area counts 14 rapid charge points among its electric infrastructure, which can crank most electric car batteries up to 100 per cent in under half an hour.

These are much faster than regular devices, which can take up to eight hours to charge a car.

Local authorities in the UK have access to a £5 million fund to help build up their electric infrastructure.

Mr Shapps said: "Your postcode should play no part in how easy it is to use an electric car, and I’m determined electric vehicles become the new normal for drivers.

“It’s good news there are now more charging locations than petrol stations, but the clear gaps in provision are disappointing.

"I urge local councils to take advantage of all the government support on offer to help ensure drivers in their area don’t miss out."

The DfT used information from the platform Zap-Map, which says it has details of around 95 per cent of publicly accessible charge points.

Across the UK, there are more than 15,000 charge points, including 2,500 rapid devices.