It concludes that local authorities have a range of planning, parking and traffic management powers that could be used to encourage the use of lower carbon vehicles, but aside from a few examples, including the London Low Emission and Congestion Charging Zones, they are reluctant to do so.

It says that local authorities look to central government for advice, policy focus and funding and are therefore focusing too heavily on plug-in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure rather than taking a technology neutral approach to carbon reduction.

Commeting on the report, John Lewis, BVRLA Chief Executive, said: 'Electric vehicles will play a major role in the future transport mix, but they will remain a niche product for some time.

'For some time the BVRLA has been arguing that government incentives and policy needs to focus on encouraging the use of all lower carbon vehicles, whether they are run on biofuel, petrol, diesel, electricity or hybrid systems.

'Planning for the future on the basis that businesses and people will either use trains, buses or an electric vehicle is not a viable option.'

The report can be downloaded by clicking HERE.