Community interest company The Big Lemon, which has operated electric buses on six local routes since 2017, has instructed solicitors to advise on ‘serious’ questions over the tendering process.

The firm’s chief executive, Tom Druitt, 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.’

The council’s cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, Trevor Muten, said: ‘At a time when we are facing significant financial challenges it is also important any contract not only provides a reliable service, but also offers value for money and is financially sustainable.

‘We have carried out a full and fair procurement process to find an operator that is best able to match these requirements and have identified the winning bidder as Compass Travel Ltd.’

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