NEW low emission busses are set to be rolled out onto the streets of Southampton.

Indepedent bus company Xelabus will bring three new hybrid double decker buses into its fleet from next week.

The buses reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent, compared to the company's older and more polluting vehicles.

The vehicles will be used on the Xelabus' Itchen College bus service, as well as its X4 service between Hedge End and Eastleigh.

Managing Director, Gareth Blair said: "These buses show our ongoing commitment to the local community to drive forward our plans to continually invest in cleaner, greener buses."

As well as producing less greenhouse gases, the three Volvo B5L Hybrid double decker buses are also more fuel efficient.

When the buses are stationary at bus stops or in traffic congestion, the electric motor takes over until the vehicle reaches 20mph when the fuel engine restarts.

Bus bosses say the buses will use 35 per cent less fuel than current vehicles.

Xelabus has recently announced plans to upgrade existing fleet vehicles to Euro 6 standards through Southampton City Council grant funding.

The company says more vehicles will be replaced with new Euro 6 buses over the coming months.

It comes ahead of the introduction of a Clean Air Zone charge in Southampton in 2019.

Commercial vehicles, including buses and taxis, which don't meet pollution standards will be charged to enter the city centre.

For most vehicles, this will be Euro VI standard – although petrol run taxis will need to be at least Euro 4.

Xelabus will display its new buses at a launch event at the Bargate on Tuesday, April 24.

The event will take place at 1pm.