Electricity is being replaced at busy bus shelters for a trial period following the success of a solar-powered bus stop.

Engineers installed Brighton and Hove's first solar-powered bus timetable in Queen's Park Terrace in Brighton last month following complaints from people who were unable to read the schedule late at night.

The battery stores power during the day allowing travellers to light up the display at the touch of a button after sunset.

Brighton and Hove City Council is working with designers at Adshel as part of a trial to assess the suitability of solar power for bus shelters.

If successful the project would allow shelters to be sited away from an electricity supply, making bus routes more flexible. The solar stops would be introduced in the city between 2006 and 2011.

Wednesday, August 10 2005