Pioneering technology to help bus drivers cut fuel consumption by 10 per cent has led to the Oxford Bus Company being nominated for a national award.

The Watlington Road-based company has spent £125,000 on a system fitted to drivers' cabs, which keeps track of acceleration and braking, and encourages drivers not to leave engines idling.

Now, following an 18-month trial, the technology is being rolled out across the Go-Ahead group in a £3m programme, which the company says should repay its investment within 18 months.

The innovation, called Economy Drive, has led to the bus company being shortlisted in the Innovation category in the UK Bus Awards.

The firm has also been shortlisted in two other categories — in the Express Coach Operator of the Year, for its Airline route to Heathrow, and for the most coveted title of all, Bus Operator of the Year.

Managing director Philip Kirk said: "It would have been quite an honour to be shortlisted for just one of the awards, but to be chosen for the finals in three categories is a remarkable tribute to our staff."

Oxford Bus Company spokesman Phil Ashworth said the firm was the only one in the UK to be shortlisted three times — which gave it a good chance of winning the Bus Operator of the Year title.

Last year, the firm won the Express Coach Operator of the Year title for the Heathrow service.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 18.

Pictured are service controller Nigel Mason, front, driver Callum Keen, left, and engineering team fitter Dave Cook