Green light for red London buses

Ken Livingstone plans to promote the traditional virtues of the London red bus.

A Mayoral decree means the livery of all London buses must become at least 80 per cent red over the next three years. Mr Livingstone said red buses are "recognised worldwide and are synonymous with this city".

The London Tourist Board agreed, calling red buses "an icon of London". Around 300 of London's 6,000 buses sport non-red liveries.

The Mayor's decision has been largely welcomed by operators, because red buses need fewer repaints than lighter colours.