Over 20 electric buses may be introduced in Stevenage after Herts County Council put in a bid for government funding.

The buses are part of the government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, which helps local transport authorities introduce zero emission buses along with the infrastructure to support them.

The ZEBRA scheme funding would see 27 of Stevenage's ageing diesel bus fleet replaced with new electric ones, which should be in service by 2024.

Herts County Council, in partnership with bus operator Arriva, were successful with their initial proposal and have now submitted their final business plan. A decision on the plan should be made in March.

Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport, said: ā€œIā€™m delighted that Stevenage might become the first town to benefit, delivering improved air quality and lower emissions, as well as an enhanced customer experience."