In the past, West Sussex County Council had to use temporary traffic lights to halt cars so its tree surgeons could keep branches overhanging the county's roads in trim.

But the team's new office is an open-top double-decker bus – so cars can pass while the work is being done.

The three-strong team consists of a driver and two surgeons, who are on the top deck.

The bus, which has had all its seating stripped out and has upper deck safety railings, drives slowly along and the tree-lopping worker uses a buzzer to tell the driver when to stop so the branches can be sawn back.

As well as keeping traffic moving, councillors claim the tree-cutting bus will improve safety for operatives who in the past would have needed hoists or climbing equipment to reach high branches.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: 'It's a marvellously innovative way of tackling overhanging branches, and brings added safety to our roads.

'It is going to save a great deal of time and cost – as well as allowing this vital work to be carried out with the minimum of disruption to motorists.'