Funding for greener buses could drastically reduce emissions

A partnership between Brighton and Hove Buses, Brighton and Hove City Council and other bus operators has led to nearly £500,000 of funding from the government's £7 million Clean Bus Technology Fund.

The award for Brighton and Hove will enable 35 buses to be fitted with technology that will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 per cent.

Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: 'This funding is a triumph for the ever-improving partnership work between local bus operators and the council. The city serves more passengers per head of population than anywhere in the country outside London and we are committed to investing in our environment. This welcome boost of government funding is a recent addition to our own investment of over £24 million into new buses and technology. More than 50 buses have already been retrofitted to higher environmental standards, along with 24 new buses and 13 diesel-electric hybrids all helping to improve air quality'.

Andrew Jones, Transport Minister, said: 'Greener buses mean a cleaner city centre for Brighton and a healthier environment for everyone. The 35 upgraded buses that will soon hit the roads in Brighton continue our commitment to better air quality by investing in greener transport. By targeting pollution hotspots and backing the low-emission technology of the future, we are making the right long-term decisions to improve people's lives.'

The buses will be fitted with exhaust gas treatment systems called selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and will be back on the roads after their upgrade.