A MULTI-MILLION pound fleet of new low emission buses will be taking to the streets of Southampton in a bid to help clean up pollution.

Unilink, which is operated by Bluestar, will welcome 32 brand new buses after investing £7 million in order to bring the firm up to speed with the new clean air zone restrictions.

Each of the vehicles has a smart new look and sports the latest Euro 6 low emission engines - the newest and cleanest standard for diesel vehicles.

The investment comes as Southampton City Council announced it was reviewing its clean air policy after being asked by the government to assess pollution in the area.

The city council has considered charging vehicles which do not adhere to clean air policies £100-a-day to enter the city.

But the new buses will be within the regulation, dodging any potential fee to drive through Southampton.

Andrew Wickham, managing director of Bluestar, said the buses would comply with Southampton’s Clean Air Zone targets, which are being introduced in 2019, and have a fresh new look.

He added: “We’re very proud to be operating this new fleet on behalf of the University of Southampton and we hope those who travel with us will agree that they offer a superior level of comfort.

“The aim is to make sustainable transport a more attractive proposition, in order to entice people out of their cars. One full double decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road - and this investment is a huge step in that direction, as there will now be 32 double deck vehicles in the Unilink fleet.”

The buses will have glass roofs, creating more light for passengers travelling upstairs, as well as on-board technology like free WiFi USB charging points and contactless payment facilities.

The fleet will be launched on September 19 and will be attended by representatives from local councils and from businesses across the region.

University of Southampton transport manager, Adam Tewkesbury said: “Unilink has been a real success for the university.

“They will offer additional comfort for every passenger travelling on our services - and they will also carry the latest low-emission engines, making them greener than ever.”

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, deputy leader and cabinet member for transport and public realm at the city council, said: “One of Southampton City Council’s key visions for the future of the city’s transport is to make Southampton a space where people can travel around easily on high quality public transport vehicles.

“The council is therefore delighted to see the continuing investment that Go South Coast are making in delivering new vehicles for the Unilink bus services across the city.”