One of the most controversial vehicles to use the streets of London over the last decade is in Ipswich on trial.

A Mercedes “Bendy Bus” is being tested by Ipswich Buses which is considering using the vehicles as part of its bid to win back the contract for park and ride services in the town.

Ipswich Buses operated park and ride services until 2008 when the contract was awarded by the county council to First Group.

The contract is currently up for tender again – with a new service due to start in November.

Ipswich Buses is hoping to win it back – and sees the Bendy Bus as a potential secret weapon.

Today the bus is being tested on the route from Copdock Mill to Martlesham through the town centre and Ipswich Hospital.

However for the rest of the week the bus is expected to be tried out on the free shuttle between the town centre and Russell Road in an attempt to gauge public opinion.

Next week another new bus is expected to be trialled on the town centre shuttle – one of the new “Borismaster” double decker buses that were ordered by London Mayor Boris Johnson to replace Bendy Buses will be tested in the town.

Mr Johnson decided to get rid of the bendy buses in the capital because it was felt they took up too much space on the road and there were problems with fare-dodging because passengers could get on and off without paying for a ticket.