Brighton & Hove City Council has ditched The Big Lemon’s electric buses for a diesel fleet on its supported bus services for the next four years.
The Big Lemon, a community interest company which has operated zero-emissions electric buses powered by renewable energy on routes 16, 47 and 52 on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council since 2017, says the decision goes against the Council’s commitment to being net zero by 2030.
The company has since raised questions over the tendering process, instructing solicitors Broadfield to advise on the Council’s decision.
Tom Druitt, the Chief Executive of The Big Lemon said: “Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to achieving net zero by 2030 and this is reflected in all of its tender processes. Yet in this tender, it has awarded maximum points for a vehicle solution that does not appear to comply with the requirements of the published tender documents.
“Moreover, the Council has refused to answer questions regarding the proposed vehicle solution and seems to have contradicted itself on the existence or not of a plan to phase out petrol/diesel vehicles over the course of the contract, in line with the council’s 2020-2030 Fleet Management Strategy and 2030 net zero carbon target.”
Oliver Wright, a partner at the law firm Broadfield, said: “The Big Lemon has operated six vital bus routes in Brighton for the past five years alongside routes in Bath and Bristol. It is a community interest company, focused on providing a service to the city whilst all of the time working with Brighton & Hove City Council towards achieving its ambitious net zero goals.
“All The Big Lemon asks is that the bidding process be open and fair. The Council still has questions to answer over whether or not there is a plan which complies with the tender specification. The contract gives Brighton & Hove City Council the option to change its mind and to allow Big Lemon to continue to operate emission-free buses. We would urge them to do so.”
Pic: The Big Lemon
