Following the announcement that Philip Hammond has become Transport Secretary, the Conseratives and Liberal Democrats have said that they are planning to introduce a nationwide network of charging points for electric and plug-in hybrids.

In a statement, the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition said: 'The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy.' These include:

• The establishment of a smart grid and the roll-out of smart meters.

• Mandating a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Commenting on the news, Edmund King, AA president, said: 'We are pleased that as part of a strategy designed to create a low carbon and eco-friendly economy there will be a mandate for a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. We are unsure as to how the new Government will address the problems of traffic congestion, road infrastructure and maintenance.'