MORE than £80,000 has been spent on installing two rapid chargers in Malton and Norton.

Highways England, which provided the investment, and Ryedale District Council have worked together on the project at the car parks in Water Lane, Malton, and St Nicholas Street, Norton.

The units can substantially recharge the battery of an electric vehicle in 30 minutes and drivers will be able to pay via contactless card or use their existing Polar network account. Specific electric vehicle bays are marked next to the points that can only be used while charging is in progress.

Beckie Bennett, delivery and frontline services lead at RDC, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Highways England on this project and that Ryedale’s application to install two of these new rapid chargers was successful.

“It means that EV owners can now drive into either Malton or Norton town centres, go for a coffee or a meal, or a quick visit to the shops and return to find their electric vehicle recharged and ready to go, even if they’ve visited from more than 100 miles away.

“By working with our partners, the council is supporting our communities and local businesses in making choices that are not only better for them both financially and environmentally, but which are also better for the wider economy and public health.”

Highways England’s Mark Collins, environmental designated fund (Carbon) portfolio manager and project lead, said: “The work is aimed at reducing anxiety, enabling drivers of electric vehicles to undertake longer journeys, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality as well as bringing additional benefits to the wider Ryedale community.”