THERE are fears that West Fifers could be put off buying electric vehicles due to charging point issues.

Councillor Graeme Downie raised concerns that residents may lose faith in council power stations if there is a feeling that they don't work properly.

This comes as constituents in Culross lodged complaints that they were being billed to use the service, despite charges failing.

"At the moment, you are charged immediately for connection even if the car isn't charged," Cllr Downie explained.

"If the charge fails, you still get charged, it's like going to the petrol station, picking up the pump, and immediately being charged for petrol."

He is now looking to abolish this connection charge, though admits that could mean slight price hikes to make up the difference.

"There will be an income from failed charges," he added.

"We are looking at this as part of EV strategy as to how council charging works in car parks.

"There is an argument for looking at the infrastructure and who should be running it – if it should be independent companies or councils – it's something to make sure we are looking at.

"It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

"We need to make sure it is reliable, I don't think it's a large amount of money – it might not be enough for people to actively complain.

"But, if we are going to encourage the use of electric vehicles, there is an incentive to make sure we get it correct."

Jane Findlay, lead consultant, confirmed that Fife Council-owned eFife chargepoints are operated by ChargePlace Scotland (CPS).

She said: "If a session fails and no electricity has been taken, there is no charge to the user.

"If any driver thinks that they have been charged for a failed session, they should contact CPS directly, and we will work with them to make sure they are refunded and no-one is charged unfairly.

"Please contact ChargePlace Scotland (0141 648 0750) or, via the CPS contact form on their website, Enquire about the network – Charge Place Scotland."