Leicester City Council bids for £5m for bus services

The council said the scheme would help reduce congestion in the city centre

A bid for £5m government funding has been made by Leicester City Council in an effort to reduce congestion and improve services for bus passengers.

The council hopes to use the money from the Better Bus Area Fund, in support of its proposed £13.75m revamp of Haymarket Bus Station.

The plans include eight new city centre bus stops and the installation of CCTV bus lane-enforcement.

The bid is in addition to the £3.5m scheme in Humberstone Gate East.

Councillor Rory Palmer, Leicester deputy city mayor responsible for transport, said: "A high quality public transport network was key to the future economic development of the city.

"Buses have a vital role to play in supporting jobs and helping our local economy grow."

He added the scheme would help the city to reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.