Transport minister Andrew Jones visited the Eden Project in Cornwall on 6 August to open the first rapid plug-in car chargepoint at the site, part of 16 being installed across Devon and Cornwall in summer 2015.

The public will be able to use the new infrastructure to charge their plug-in cars in as little as 30 minutes. DfT provided grants totalling £765,000 for a rapid charging network in Devon and Cornwall, ensuring residents and visitors can have easy access to fast, convenient chargepoints.

Jones said: “Plug-in vehicles are cheaper to run, better for the environment and an increasingly popular choice for families and businesses. The government is investing £500m in low emission vehicles over the next five years, including in chargepoints such as those at the striking location of the Eden Project.

“The new rapid chargepoint network continues our commitment to improving journeys in the south west, with a record investment in roads. This is part of our long-term economic plan to improve transport infrastructure and support jobs and opportunities in this beautiful area.”

The minister also visited the new Truro Park and Ride Eastern Site, a £9.6m facility, backed by the government’s Regional Growth Fund. The new stop-off point will improve bus links for passengers and connections to surrounding areas, as well as helping to reduce the number of cars on the roads.