Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled a range of new eco-friendly buses for the capital.

By the end of January next year the number of these buses, including both single and double-deckers, will more than quadruple to 56 — with a further 300 planned to be in operation by 2011.

With a conventional engine and an electric motor the hybrid buses use less fuel and produce up to 40 per cent less CO2 emissions compared to normal buses. They are also significantly quieter than diesel buses.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Londoners can travel on these buses with clear environmental consciences, safe in the knowledge their journey will guzzle far less fuel, and expire a whopping 40 per cent less carbon dioxide than a regular bus.”