CHARGING points to provide free fuel for electric cars are being installed in Keighley, Silsden and Steeton.

Airedale Hospital is one of four locations locally where people will be able to ‘fill up’ using the Bradford Council.

They are among 88 planned across West Yorkshire as part of a £3 million-plus scheme to improve the county’s air quality.

The first local charging point, in the Skipton Road car park in Silsden, appeared this month to the surprise of residents.

Town and district councillor Adrian Naylor this week welcomed the machine – which has two charging cables – but voiced a number of concerns.

He queried whether there would be dedicated spaces for the two vehicles being charged, meaning the loss of existing spaces for parked cars.

He said: “What happens if the charging places are taken up by parked cars? If it’s not a rapid charger then you could be looking at quite a few hours. What happens if they overstay the ticket because it’s still charging?

“I welcome the move towards reducing the carbon footprint, but this is a rural community and we have limited number of parking spots. This is a step in the right direction, but it’s only one for a community of more than 5,000 adults.”

Bradford Council said that in addition to the Silsden machine, charging points were under construction at Airedale Hospital and the Church Green car park in Keighley. Another was planned for the Keighley Leisure Centre in Victoria Park.

A council spokesman said that once installation of the Silsden charging point was complete, there would be signage to advise people on charges.

He added: “The electricity which is generated from renewable energy sources will be free until October 2021 and normal parking charges will apply.

“Charging points in council-owned car parks come under what’s known as ‘permitted development’ and don’t require planning permission. This Silsden car park has adequate space and was chosen because it has a suitable electricity supply.

Cllr Naylor questioned whether the cramped Skipton Road car park – smaller than the nearby Wesley Place car park – was the most suitable place for a charging point.

He was concerned that the council had chosen the location without asking district and town councillors for their views.

He added: “The lack of consultation is deplorable. We’ve not had the chance to debate this, or even suggest the best place.

“They’ve chosen a very small car park to put it in. There should have been more consultation with the community to make sure it’s in the right place and people will use it.

“The charging point might need a fair degree of explanation telling people what they can and can’t do. It seems messy and complicated for what should be a simple thing to do.”