More buses in Brighton and Hove will be tracked electronically to provide up to the minute information and ensure bus routes are given priority.

Last year Brighton and Hove Council started a trial at several bus stops in the town centre, where passengers were given electronic information about buses on eight routes.

Now at an environment meeting next Tuesday the authority is set to extend the scheme in co-operation with Brighton and Hove Buses.

Bus information displays are planned at a further eight stops on the 5, 5A and 5B Metro routes on the A23 between Preston Circus and Carden Avenue.

This will be the first phase of a bus priority, information and transport management system which will eventually cover the whole town.

As well as providing information for passengers, the system will be able to track the position of all buses in Brighton and Hove.

This will enable the bus company to respond more quickly to problems with late running buses or service disruptions.

The system will also be able to give buses priority at junctions where there are traffic lights.

If the scheme is approved, the council will pay for the street equipment while the company will pay for changes to its fleet of buses.

John Ballance, environment cabinet councillor, said: "I'm sure the initiative will be welcomed by local bus users and visitors as the pilot scheme has been well received."

He predicted the system would enable passengers to benefit from an even more reliable and safe bus service.