South East regions awarded electric bus funding

The government is funding 955 more zero-emission buses for England.

Councils in the South East of England are among 25 local authorities to receive millions of pounds in government funding to decarbonise their bus fleets.

Surrey, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex will share £16.2m allocated under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas programme.

The government initiative aims to roll out more electric buses in England and is making available an additional £142.8m.

Trevor Muten, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council's transport and sustainability committee, said: “What a breakthrough for our city!"

The government cash will fund up to 955 more zero-emission buses and associated infrastructure in England.

West Sussex County Council will receive £10.1m, while Surrey County Council is to get £3.2m.

Mr Muten said the £2.9m allocated to Brighton was "fantastic" news.

He said: "Replacing diesel buses with zero-carbon alternatives will support our shared vision for an accessible, clean and sustainable city."

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Surrey and West Sussex will spend the funding as part of a wider £24m scheme alongside London Gatwick, bus operator Go Ahead and Kent County Council to launch a fleet of 43 hydrogen-powered buses.

Surrey councillor Matt Furniss said the scheme was part of its "continued commitment to make our buses greener".

The government said its latest investment would make local fleets more efficient and sustainable.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "This latest investment into our bus fleet comes on top of the £3.5 billion we have invested into our bus network since 2020."

Kent County Council received £9.5m as part of an initial round of funding under the scheme in 2021.