Oxford City Council is trialling what is claimed to be the world’s first “pop-up” electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

People across the city are being encouraged to nominate their street to take part in the project, which will see 20 ‘Ueone’ retractable pavement bollards installed on streets.

Developed by Urban Electric, the charging points will be operated via apps and will retract underground when not in use.

The £600,000 project is co-funded by Innovate UK, which is providing £474,000 following a successful bid.

It will support the city’s existing Go Ultra Low on-street residential charging initiative.

Councillor Tom Hayes, Executive Board Member for Safer and Greener Environment said: “Everything Oxford does to tackle emissions has to be practical if it’s going to be effective. We have set ourselves the big goal of introducing the world’s first zero-emission zone to clean up our toxic and illegal air. But we will only achieve that goal if we support and encourage local drivers to replace their older polluting vehicles with cleaner versions.”