Breckland could see the installation of four charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles after councillors agreed to bid for Highways England funds.

Highways England is looking for local authority partners to assist with the provision of a country-wide network of rapid electric charging points, adjacent to major routes, and has identified four locations in Breckland, near the A11 and A47 and within the areas of Dereham, Swaffham, Attleborough and Thetford.

Funding would be available for the installation of these units, in return for the council providing suitable locations for a 10 year period.

Alison Webb, Breckland Council executive member for people and information said the project would increase uptake of electric vehicles and help cut pollution.

The council hopes to install rapid charging points which have a high flow and can provide around 80pc of full battery charge within half an hour.