Norwich's bus network could be changed radically if a £25m scheme to swap diesel vehicles for electric goes ahead.

Norfolk County Council has submitted a proposal to the Department for Transport (DfT) which could see 70 zero-emission buses arriving in the city in 2024.

Council leaders say that if successful, the plans would be an "extraordinary boost" for their ambitions to run a net-zero emissions transport system in Norfolk.

Norwich Evening News: Martin Wilby, cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and TransportMartin Wilby, cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport (Image: Newsquest)

Martin Wilby, cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “We are excited that we already have the 15 buses confirmed to be in operation in 2024 but to have the opportunity to increase this to a potential 70 buses was one not to be missed.

"If successful, this will be an extraordinary boost to our ambitions to run a net-zero transport system in Norfolk."

The plans follow an earlier successful bid alongside First Bus for 15 electric vehicles for the city, which was secured through a £6.9m investment from the DfT and First Bus as part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Access (ZEBRA) scheme.

Mr Wilby added: "The support that First bus has shown for this demonstrates the excellent working relationship we have with our bus operators here in Norfolk and how working together can help to achieve the very best for our county.”

The electric buses would serve the Greater Norwich area and will run through the city centre, an area which is already under management for air quality.

The council says the switch from diesel to electric would reduce Co2 emissions by 80,000 tonnes, the equivalent of taking 4700 small petrol cars off the road, helping to reduce the harm to health from pollution.

Norwich Evening News: First Bus and other companies in the bus industry are in discussion with the Department for Transport on whether a flat £2 could be introduced for six months in the autumn.

The total cost of £25,110,250 would be split between the DfT and First Bus, which has promised an investment of £16,438,497 to match the £8.6m from the DfT.

Piers Marlow, managing director at First East of England said: "This proposal will enable our Roundtree Way bus depot in Norwich to operate an entire zero-emission bus fleet, removing all diesel infrastructure.

“We will continue to work closely with Norfolk County Council to deliver bus priority for customers in Norwich and progress the decarbonisation of our bus fleets across the region.”