The Managing Director of Ford UK has said that the government's announcement to make the country's road exclusively electric is a very exciting prospect for engineers in Essex.

The Dunton Technical Centre in Basildon will be at the forefront of improving emissions ahead of 2040.

The centre employs over 5,000 engineers with 100 engine test cells which are 'constantly' being used to improve emissions.

Andy Barratt, Managing Director of Ford UK said: "We are the second largest investor in research and development in the UK, here in Essex.

"It is a really exciting time for people who work in Dunton."

The centre will also be the leader of a pilot in London this year to test a new hybrid Ford Transit.

The vehicle will be used to test emissions in a busy city as the rest of the country's car manufacturers also begin to plan for the future.