Motorists who block bus stops will get a surprise today when they receive warning notices with free bus tickets.

Experts will be looking at bus routes during peak times to see how well services are coping with congestion.

Brighton and Hove has been selected by the National Federation of Bus Users as the final destination in its two-week Congestion Busters campaign.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said: "They are aiming to show how well the new parking enforcement regime is working with improvements for buses and how it should be copied elsewhere in the country.

"The tickets are to tempt people on to buses and show they are a pretty good way of travel."

A bus will leave Churchill Square in Brighton city centre and travel to Portslade and London Road.

A team aboard will look at the progress that has been made and record incidents where drivers obstruct buses or violate bus lanes.

If the team finds cars parked at bus stops, notes will be left on them urging them not to block the stop again. They will each also be left a free bus ticket.

Dr Caroline Cahm, who chairs the federation, said: "Things are pretty good in Brighton and Hove but, in many places, they are desperate.

"Bus operators can't provide the reliable, fast and frequent services we need unless buses get real priority over other traffic."

Mr French said: "We are fortunate in Brighton and Hove that the council takes such a positive attitude. Our roads are crowded enough as it is.

"Just think what it would actually be like if our buses did not carry so many passengers."