Bendy buses are coming to Brighton thanks to London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Brighton and Hove Buses has bought four of the controversial vehicles for the busy Lewes Road universities route.

The vehicles will go into service later this year once they’ve been adapted.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said the bendy buses formerly operated on the capital’s streets.

They were bought following a successful trial of the vehicle on Brighton’s sometimes overcrowded number 25 route.

Mr French confirmed: “We are getting four.

“They have been subjected to quite a bit of conversion work so they will be suitable for use on the Lewes Road.”

Mr French refused to reveal how much the buses cost but a second-hand vehicle can be bought for between £70,000 and £80,000.

During last October’s trial he said they were available at a “bargain price” after Mr Johnson decided to get rid of them and bring back a modern version of the iconic Routemaster.

A traditional double-decker can carry 90 passengers, both sitting and standing, but bendy buses have space for 140.

Bendy buses were first introduced in London nine years ago by former Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, Brighton and Hove Council’s Labour leader, said: “I'm pleased that the trial has been successful because I know about the overcrowding on the route at peak times.

“Anything that will make passenger journeys more comfortable must be welcome.”

Dr Caroline Lucas, the Green Party's Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, said: “It's an idea with real merit as they can move more people around the city more quickly.”

She said concerns about the impact on other road users such as cyclists seemed to have been addressed by plans to use the buses along Lewes Road only and not the city's narrower streets.

Students also welcomed bendy buses.

Shahima Mohammed, a 24-year-old studying law at Sussex University, told The Argus: “It’s brilliant, really spacious, good for students.”

Mr French said the buses would be used during peak times on the number 25 route only.

There were no plans to expand the service.

The three-door buses will have the middle exit sealed up so passengers can disembark only through the front and rear doors.