Highways England has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to help people take longer journeys in electric vehicles.

The company is committed to helping improve the nation’s air quality, and aims to ensure 95% of its motorways and major A roads are within 20 miles of a charge point.

As part of this commitment the company has awarded a contract worth a total £2.8million, which will see more than 50 electric vehicle charging points being installed across the country within the next nine months.

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: “The Government wants the UK to be the best place in the world to own an electric vehicle, leading the way to a zero emission future.

“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.”

The contract has been awarded to BP Chargemaster to carry out work in the north of the country and SWARCO UK Ltd in the south.

It includes initial installation and commissioning of facilities followed by ongoing operation and maintenance for the seven-year period of the contract.

Justin Meyer, General Manager at SWARCO eVolt, says: “We are delighted to have been selected by Highways England for this project to expand the national network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, it is testament to the range and reliability of our systems and our strong support network across the UK.”

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).