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.'

Roads Minister, Jesse Norman MP said: 'Installing extra vehicle charging points along or nearby our motorways and main roads will help more businesses and people to make longer, cleaner and greener journeys in their electric vehicles.'

These two contracts were awarded via the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) 636 Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Framework. ESPO is a public sector-owned professional buying organisation and has helped Highways England on previous contracts such as severe weather salt supplies.

The work being carried out under this contract is in addition to electric charging points being installed as part of Highways England’s collaboration with local authorities during this road investment period 2015 to 2021.