Drivers will be able to pay via an automated text service, similar to the systems used in some car parks. The trial, which runs until April, will include the region’s most frequently used charging posts, marked out on the scheme’s website, chargeyourcar.co.uk.

Project manager Josey Wardle commented: ‘Although Plugged in Places has come a long way since it launched two years ago, with 300 EV charging posts in place throughout the North East alone, as yet there is no agreed way forward in terms of interoperability between UK schemes, making it difficult for visitors to move from one region to the next.

‘By undertaking this trial, the North East is leading the way in developing an all inclusive system, as it will help us to better understand how this technology can work. There are many logistical elements to the Pay as you Go scheme so we want to ensure that any system we put in place functions properly and has tangible benefits to the driver, the Charge your Car scheme and EV post holder.’