For a five-year life cycle, the electric cars will be used by civil enforcement officers to travel between locations across the region, said to be ideal as these include mostly short routes and the opportunity for overnight charging.

In addition to the Plug-in Car Grant of £5,000 on each vehicle, funding of £21,000 was provided by Dorset County Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund, as part of the Three Towns Travel project, which aims to promote greener travel in the region.

Cllr Margaret Phipps, portfolio holder for the Environment at Christchurch Borough Council, said: ‘The cars achieve an equivalent of over 260 miles to the gallon, attract a zero road fund licence and have cheaper servicing due to fewer moving parts. Adding the running cost savings to the environmental benefits means these vehicles are ideal for the councils.’

Cllr Mike Dyer, lead member for the Environment at East Dorset District Council, added: ‘One of our Corporate Plan objectives is to lead by example in our own environmental performance. Having these zero-emission vehicles will reduce the carbon impact of our services and cut air pollution.’

Cllr Peter Finney from Dorset County Council said: ‘This project by the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership is an ideal example of providing sustainable means of transport in the county. We were pleased to be able to finance it from our Sustainable Transport Fund.’