LONDON, Dec 6: Britain's first on-street charging points for electric cars were unveiled on Wednesday in central London as part of a wider bid to encourage drivers to ditch gas-guzzling vehicles.

The City of Westminster, which has the highest levels of air pollution in the kingdom, launched the power points in Wellington Street and Southampton Street in the Covent Garden entertainment district.

Electric cars are exempt from London's congestion charge, which costs drivers of other vehicles eight pounds ($16) per day to enter the city centre.

“Putting free charging points on the street where people need them most is a simple concept which we hope will help galvanise broader appeal for electric car use,” said councillor Alan Bradley.—AFP