A date has been set for the start of work on the biggest public transport scheme ever seen in West Sussex.

Experts hope the £27 million Fastway project will change the face of travel around Crawley.

Final details go in front of West Sussex County Council's Cabinet on Tuesday with construction due to start next February.

The scheme involves running the latest buses on specially created trackways which other vehicles will be unable to use.

Buses will also be given priority at traffic lights.

The fast and frequent services will serve a wide area including the town centre of Crawley, Gatwick Airport and the Manor Royal industrial estate.

At the meeting, Councillor Tex Pemberton will explain the scheme to the public and the reasons for disruption during the construction work.

Fastway is the only major infrastructure project in the South-East to be fully accepted by the Government, which is putting in £10 million.

Costs will be met by a partnership headed by the county council and including Crawley Borough Council, Gatwick Airport, British Airways and councils in neighbouring Surrey.

Councillors have been told that the bus trackways will be constructed in three phases with work starting first on the section from Bewbush via Broadfield and Southgate Avenue to Crawley town centre.

The second phase will link the town centre with Manor Royal, Three Bridges, Gatwick and Horley town centre.

The final stage will create a route via Gatwick Road and Horley to new development schemes north of Crawley.

Experts say Fastway could have a major impact on traffic congestion and pollution in the Crawley and Gatwick areas by offering a reliable and faster alternative to the car.