MORE Redditch drivers are going green, according to figures showing a surge in electric vehicle registrations.

Motorists turning their backs on petrol and diesel contributed to a 40 per cent national rise in the number of newly registered ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) last year.

The RAC said the rise proves an "electric revolution" is underway across the UK – but the Green Party says more needs to be done to ensure a switch to electric motoring is sustainable long-term.

Department for Transport data shows 370 ULEVs were licensed to addresses in Redditch as of September – a 72 per cent increase from 215 a year earlier.

Of those, 113 were registered to companies based in the area, while 257 were privately owned.

Simon Williams from the RAC said the figures were proof of an "electric revolution" accelerating electric vehicles becoming more mainstream.

He said a wider choice of vehicles, longer travel ranges and fewer fears about having to recharge mid-journey meant more drivers were becoming more willing to take the "zero-emission plunge".

Mr Williams added: "If petrol and diesel prices continue to stay at near record levels those who can afford to will be increasingly tempted to go electric."

A total of 202 ULEVs registered in Redditch were battery powered and a further 159 were plug-in hybrid electric models, which combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine.