TWO new electric vehicle charging points have been installed at the offices of Maldon District Council.

The charging points have been installed as part of the council’s Air Quality Action Plan, and are free for people to use until July 31.

Visitors and staff with electric vehicles can fill up for free at the council offices, with tokens available from the reception.

Bob Boyce MBE, chairman of community services, said “The council is keen to support the use of electric vehicles as part of our objective to create a clean local environment.

"Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer.

"Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions”.

Richard Homes, director of community services, said “Maldon District Council intends to ensure the district continues to benefit from good air quality. We aim to support low emission objectives through our procurement, planning regulations and our work with operators of industrial processes.

"As well as undertaking regular air quality monitoring, supporting low emission campaigns and a number of direct incentives such as car sharing parking spaces and these new electric vehicle charging points”.

The number of charging points in the UK is growing. To locate one, visit www.national-charge-point-registry.uk.