A zero-emission bus service is launching in Dover.

It comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £9.5 million from the Budget will be awarded to Kent County Council (KCC) from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme.

This investment includes both the existing Kent Thameside network and the already-approved Dover Fastrack service, due to arrive in 2023.

It will make Fastrack Kent’s first zero-emission bus service.

KCC's cabinet member for highways and transport, David Brazier, said: "I am absolutely delighted the team has been able to secure this investment for Fastrack, for the communities it serves and the benefits it will bring for future electrification of buses.

"Going for zero-emission was at the top of our wish list for Fastrack and I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has used or worked on this service.

"Beyond electrification, we have been listening to our customers, to see how we can tailor our vehicles better to meet their needs.

"I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this part of our transport portfolio."

Dover Fastrack bus service was approved by KCC earlier this year.

It will connect Whitfield with Dover town centre and Dover Priory railway station and will be the second rapid bus transit service in the county following the success of the scheme in Dartford, which began in March 2006, linking Dartford and Gravesend with the Bluewater shopping complex.

Dover Fastrack aims to help boost the delivery of new homes in Whitfield and at the former Connaught Barracks site, along with commercial development on the White Cliffs Business Park in Whitfield.

The approved application includes a new 1km road connecting the Whitfield Urban Expansion to the Tesco roundabout at Honeywood Parkway.

This is via a new overbridge over the A2, and a new 1.1km road connecting the B&Q roundabout on Honeywood Parkway to Dover Road, near Frith Farm at Guston.

The bridge over the A2 and the junction with Honeywood Parkway at the Tesco roundabout, will be for use by buses, pedestrians, cycles and emergency vehicles only.

The use of the junction with Dover Road will be restricted to use by buses, pedestrians, cycles, emergency vehicles and farm traffic associated with Frith Farm only.

Building is expected to start early next year with the first buses running from summer 2023.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke welcomed the announcement: "I am delighted we have got the funding to deliver the new Dover Fastrack electric bus service.

"These electric buses will be so much cleaner and greener. This is great news for our area as it will improve local transport and air quality.

"This funding shows real confidence in our area. I look forward to seeing everyone being able to enjoy these new zero emission, electric buses."

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