Conventional petrol stations can install electric car charging points alongside their current pumps but new players must have a chance too, according to a ruling by the Netherlands’ highest court.

The Raad van State ruled that it was not unfair to let businesses such as Shell and BP have permission for the electric charging points. But there must be open competition for the sites before the transport minister makes a decision on who receives the licence.

The judgement refers to a series of cases brought by Fastned and MisterGreen Fast Charging Network, which run electric-only charging stations, against the state.

They were protesting against a number of locations where electic charging licences had been awarded to conventional petrol station owners. Their argument was upheld, one decision was overturned, and they were also awarded their court costs.

The court added that conventional petrol must remain the main business in petrol stations that want to add electric charge points.

The judgement could mean, reports NOS, that there is more interest in installing electric charging points on highways rather than predominantly in areas where people live and work, making it easier for electric car owners to travel further.