Highways England has awarded two contracts worth a total a £2.8m to install 50 electric vehicle charging points across the country over the next nine months.

The deal is part of Highways England’s aim to ensure 95% of its motorways and major A roads are within 20 miles of a charge point.

The contracts have been awarded to BP Chargemaster to carry out work in the north of the country and Swarco UK Ltd in the south and include initial installation and commissioning of facilities followed by ongoing operation and maintenance for a seven-year period.

Highways England’s Mark Collins, Environmental Designated Fund (Carbon) portfolio manager and project lead said:

‘To help improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions we’re introducing more electric charging points, at locations near to the network, for example at nearby town centres. This shows that we are looking ahead to meet the future demand for this facility.

‘This contract is about supporting drivers of electric vehicles using our network. It will give them additional charging facilities just off England’s motorways and major A roads to help them make longer journeys and reduce the anxiety of potentially running out of power. We look forward to the benefits this will provide drivers on our roads.’

Read more: Transport Network