New figures revealed that Copeland and Carlisle are ahead of the curve when it comes to the green transport revolution, but Allerdale is lagging behind.

Department for transport data shows that there were 22 public electric car charging points in Copeland at the start of April and 31 in Carlisle.

With the rate per 100,000 people in the North West standing at 19, the districts are ahead of other areas.

But Allerdale only has 18, which is behind the UK average rate of 27.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “One of the myths we urgently need to clear up is a perceived lack in charging points.

“However, if drivers feel they cannot find a charge point then more needs to be done.”

Better signage for the devices could make them easier for motorists to spot, he suggested, as well as finding solutions for those who want to charge their car at home but do not have off-street parking.

He added: “Encouraging drivers to make the switch to electric cars will also encourage both councils and businesses to install charging infrastructure.

“We believe that further incentives are required to ease the transition to lower-emission vehicles, such as cutting VAT on the sale of certain vehicles or targeted scrappage schemes.”

Jill Perry, of Allerdale and Copeland Green Party, said more should be done to encourage people to switch to more sustainable transport.

"Electric cars are better than petrol cars, provided that the electricity which is used to charge them is from renewable sources.

"However, it's much better that we all pursue more active transport like walking and cycling. I know it's difficult at the current time to use public transport but it's important that we get back to doing that too.

"We've recently seen some Government money allocated to make more space available for cycling, but it's a pittance compared to the money poured into new roads.

"We have to stop investing in new roads and we have to make it more difficult and more expensive for people to use their cars."

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Accessing charge points has never been easier and we want to make it easier still, with a further £10 million to install chargers. The Government is considering the long-term future of incentives for zero-emission vehicles alongside our consultation on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans.”