FREE 12-month parking permits are on offer for owners of new, zero-emission electric vehicles.

The all Island electrical vehicle permit is open to owners of vehicles registered to an Island address between April 1 and March 31 2020.

Applications for the permit can be made the council online.

Cabinet member for environment and heritage, Cllr John Hobart said: "Pure electric cars and vans do not pump out harmful emissions into the air we breathe.

"As well as reducing emissions and improving air quality, owners also enjoy miniscule running costs with the cost of recharging significantly less than the price of a tank of petrol or diesel.

"Our new all Island electric vehicle permit supports our sustainable transport objectives by providing a local incentive to stimulate the purchase of electric vehicles by Islanders."

The promotion of electric vehicles was considered a priority in the council's environmental action plan.

There are now five electric vehicle charging points located in council car parks in Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Newport and Freshwater.

The one in Newport can charge a vehicle in 30 minutes, costing on average £6 per charge.

The points elsewhere on the Island typically take between two and three hours to administer a full charge.

Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Cllr Ian Ward said: "The Isle of Wight Council is forward looking and is making plans to meet the future growth in demand for charging electric vehicles."