Although Hove had been the location for one of the earliest experiments in the United Kingdom into the use of trolleybuses, Brighton itself was to be one of the later places in the country to witness their introduction. In 1935 a Portsmouth trolleybus was displayed in the town but, amidst much local controversy and difficulties in the House of Lords (over the co-ordination of a scheme which called for joint operation between the Corporation fleet and that of Brighton, Hove & District), it was not until 1 May 1939 that Corporation-owned trolleybuses commenced operation. Brighton, Hove & District's first trolleybuses were not, however, delivered until after the start of World War 2. With services concentrated around the Old Steine, in the towns centre, a network of routes was served by some 52 Corporation and 12 BH&D vehicles. The final route extension was opened in 1951 taking the total route mileage to some 14.5 miles. However, by the mid-1950s, competition, particularly from Southdown, was starting to take its toll and a decision was made to convert the network to motor bus operation. The final withdrawal occurred on 30 June 1961 although this was not to be end of the road for some Brighton trolleybuses, as a number found new homes with operators in Bournemouth, Bradford and Maidstone.
In the second title in our new Trolleybus Memories series, John Bishop and Glyn Kraemer-Johnson, who both knew the Brighton trolleybus system intimately, pay a pictorial tribute to the system. The authors, who live in Sussex, have produced a range of books for Ian Allan Publishing, on public transport in the south of England, which have all sold very well. Drawing upon their own collections as well as other well-known photographers of the area, the authors provide a fascinating account of the development of the trolleybus network, including the controversy that led to its delayed operation, its growth from 1939 to 1951 and then its decade of decline. Including some 175 mono and colour photographs, the book is a reminder of a form of transport that once played a crucial role in the provision of public transport in the town. This new volume will be sought by local historians, transport enthusiasts and all those with a knowledge of Brighton over the past 50 years.
Author: Glyn Kraemer-Johnson and John Bishop
Format: PB 80 pages
Publisher: Ian Allan Ltd
Pub date: Sept 2007
ISBN 13: 9780711031999
List Price: £14.99
