It’s the technology used in the multi-million-pound cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg that could now slash fuel emissions across Southampton.

One Hampshire bus firm is introducing top-of-the-range motorsport technology into its fleet of buses in a bid to cut pollution.

Bluestar is using an innovative electric flywheel system which is based on Formula One technology and supplied by global engineering group GKN.

The bus firm has been working with Southampton City Council to secure investment for the initiative under the Government’s Clean Bus Technology Fund and says that the flywheel could see a 30 per cent reduction in emissions on each vehicle fitted with it.

Bluestar manager director Andrew Wickham explained how the technology helps buses in the firm’s day-to-day operations.

He said: “This is highly advanced automation that works on a very short cycle.

“It stores up energy generated by a bus as it slows down to stop.

“It then uses that energy to create extra power for when the vehicle pulls away again – getting it back up to speed.

“Buses stop and start continuously whilst transporting passengers across the city, so the electric flywheel system is perfect for this industry.

“We are delighted to be among the first in the country to use it.”

Despite securing investment, Bluestar will still be paying more than £1m to have 30 of its buses fitted with flywheel by March 2015.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Southampton City Council, said: “This is an excellent example of local government working closely with a commercial transport operator to reduce the environmental impact of urban fuel emissions.

“It is incredibly exciting that Southampton is right at the forefront of new passenger transport technology – and I am delighted to be involved.”