The district council, which oversees the market towns of Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Malton, Norton, and Pickering, secured investment from Zest to provide chargers to these towns.

Phillip Spurr, director for Place and Resources for Ryedale District Council, said: ‘We’re delighted to make this commitment with Zest to deliver these facilities on our behalf. As the EV market continues to rise, the demand for charge points will also grow and it’s important that we are prepared for that.

‘In our council plan, we promised to promote sustainable transport by installing extra electric vehicle charging points. We already have charge points in eight locations across Ryedale, with rapid charging at Water Lane car park, Malton, and our St. Nicholas Street car park, in Norton. We’re also proud to have two electric pool cars for our employees, enhancing our commitment to sustainable transport.’

CEO at Zest, Robin Heap, said: ‘At Ryedale District Council, actions speak louder than words. It’s great to see a predominantly rural council set out a blueprint for sustainable transport and then deliver on it. Our long-term investment in rapid charging facilities across the area will help ensure that this beautiful part of North Yorkshire is ready to benefit from the EV revolution.’