The Government has announced a further £20 million in funding to boost the number of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has told councils that the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2021/22.

The scheme helps councils install charge points for residents without off-street parking to charge their vehicle.

Shapps said: “Drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now.

“With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.”

Since its inception in 2017, more than 140 local authority projects have benefitted from the scheme, which has supported applications for nearly 4,000 charge points across the UK.

This funding boost could double that, according to the Department for Transport (DfT), adding almost 4,000 more charge points.

It says that local councils play an essential role in providing electric vehicle infrastructure and so in partnership with Energy Saving Trust, it is urging councils which are yet to apply for funding, as well as those that have already benefitted, to take advantage of the scheme.

Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “The confirmation of £20m of funding for the ORCS in 2021/22 is great news.

“This funding will allow local authorities to install convenient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure for those who rely on on-street parking. This helps to support the fair transition to the increased adoption of low carbon transport.”

“We’re therefore encouraging local authorities to access this funding as part of their plans to decarbonise transport and improve local air quality.”