The coastal city has established itself as a forward-thinking, environmentally aware location. The current Labour administration is now transforming that vision into concrete achievements.
A noticeable indication of advancement appears on the streets. Through collaboration with the local bus company, the city’s inaugural fully electric double-decker vehicles have been introduced. Beginning this week, 16 electric buses are now serving Route 7, representing the initial phase of transitioning toward an entirely electric bus fleet.
This demonstrates what becomes achievable when leadership, partnership and funding converge effectively. The local authority and the bus operator obtained £5.2million from the central government’s ZEBRA 2 initiative, complemented by £600,000 from the council and substantial investment from the bus company to modernize the Conway Street facility. Brand-new electric double-deckers and council vehicles can now be charged at the depot, with additional routes planned for the near future.
In a city where public transport usage ranks among the highest nationally, this transformation carries significant weight. This represents more than mere symbolism. Electric buses operate with reduced noise, produce zero emissions and improve air quality, particularly in a bustling urban center like this one. Air quality remains central to this agenda, employing a targeted, evidence-based approach alongside transparent real-time monitoring accessible to the public. Lowering emissions from one of the most frequently used transport networks delivers immediate advantages for local residents while safeguarding public health.
For these reasons, in my capacity as chair of the city’s Enhanced Bus Partnership, I will present proposals to bus operators to extend our existing Bus Ultra Low Emission Zone—implemented since 2015—to encompass all Air Quality Management Areas. This will pave the way for cleaner ULEZ-compliant Euro 6 and fully electric buses precisely where they are most required to achieve our ambitious air quality objectives.
Alongside cleaner buses, substantial work is underway to broaden public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across every neighborhood. The city already boasts extensive coverage with over 500 chargepoints, alongside plans for an additional 6,000 ‘lamppost’ units, 1,000 fast chargers and 200 rapid chargers, plus new ultra-rapid charging facilities through partnerships with char.gy and Believ. The city is positioning itself as a national exemplar in electric vehicle accessibility. This will facilitate the transition to electric vehicles for residents, businesses and visitors, accelerating movement away from polluting fossil fuels.
However, the future of urban mobility involves more than technological advancement in vehicles. It also requires reimagining urban movement. Investment in improved, connected active travel infrastructure therefore remains a priority. Superior cycle paths, enhanced pedestrian routes and safer, more accessible streets enable residents to select healthier, more sustainable travel options, decreasing emissions while improving wellbeing. Through partnership with Beryl, the public bicycle and e-bike hire scheme is being developed, while a potential highly regulated public e-scooter trial is under careful evaluation.
This integrated approach also informs plans for the main railway station. A genuinely multi-modal transport hub would improve connections between buses, trains, taxis, cycling and walking routes, making public and active travel the most straightforward option. Long-distance coach services are already being trialed from Studley Road, with National Express and the new FlixBus now offering direct links to the station.
Simultaneously, maintaining existing infrastructure is recognized as equally vital as constructing new facilities. Years of insufficient investment by the previous Conservative central government created a substantial maintenance backlog for roads and pavements—not merely locally but throughout the region. The ‘Conservative-pothole’ became a nationwide emblem of that administration’s shortcomings. Now, with Labour’s four-year increased grant allocation, enhanced investment in highway maintenance is already enhancing road surfaces and footpaths throughout the city as work progresses on addressing the backlog. Smooth roads and safe pavements represent necessities, not luxuries—they are fundamental to keeping Brighton and Hove moving safely. This constitutes a priority for the current administration.
Safety, especially for children and families, represents another priority area where firm action is being implemented. Our Labour administration has approved our application for moving traffic enforcement powers, supported by automatic number plate recognition technology, to establish safer School Streets. Three pilot locations at Queens Park, Hangleton and West Hove Juniors were announced recently. Targeted improvements to junctions and crossings through our Safer Better Streets programme are making everyday journeys less hazardous and more welcoming.
Brighton and Hove has long demanded bold, practical leadership aligned with its progressive character. Under this Labour administration, precisely that is being delivered—constructing a cleaner, safer and better-connected city that serves all residents.
As this vision progresses, Brighton and Hove will not merely keep pace with other cities—it will set the example.
Cllr Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, Brighton and Hove City Council.