New eco-friendly buses will be rolled out across Sussex thanks to millions of government funding.

Brighton and Hove City Council have announced that they will receive nearly £3 million in funding to help roll out 16 new electric buses and better charging infrastructure for the city.

It comes as West Sussex County Council will also receive over £10 million from the Department for Transport to roll out hydrogen powered buses across the region.

Brighton Councillor Trevor Muten said the funding was a “breakthrough” for the city, adding: “This is fantastic news and an example of what we can achieve through partnership. Replacing diesel buses with zero-carbon alternatives will support our shared vision for an accessible, clean and sustainable city.

“Having reliable, accessible, new zero-emission buses will help to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make Brighton & Hove a successful, healthy and attractive city.”

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Under the joint bid with Brighton and Hove Buses 16 electric buses will replace current diesel models in a bid to make the city’s public transport more eco-friendly.

Commercial director Nick Hill said he was “delighted” with the funding, hoping it would “encourage people to live a more sustainable lifestyle”.

In West Sussex the County Council will roll out new hydrogen powered buses in rural parts of the counties to reduce emissions.

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and the South Downs, said: “Representing the most rural constituency in West Sussex, I know how vital buses are in connecting communities.

“I’m a huge bus supporter and have regularly campaigned for more frequent and reliable services in West Sussex.

“As well as eliminating pollution – important for communities such as Storrington – these buses will be brand new with all the ‘mod cons’ like USB ports and replacing the old diesel buses.”

Brighton and West Sussex are among just 25 councils to receive the funding from the Department for Transport.

The new grant comes from reallocated funding from the cancellation of parts of the HS2 network.