Hybrid buses to be trialled across London will soon be making stops in Waltham Forest.

The borough has been chosen by TfL as one of the areas to test out the specially designed buses which charge as they stand.

Part diesel fuelled double decker buses will run on the route of the 69 bus from Walthamstow Central to Canning Town.

Diesel electric hybrid buses have significantly reduced tail pipe emissions, resulting in improved air quality.

The buses are fitted with on-board batteries that can receive a charge boost at bus stands at either end of the route.

It is hoped the buses will be able to operate in pure electric mode for a significant time while they are in service.

The buses have a diesel engine that can be used when battery power is low, but it is anticipated this would only be needed for a short amount of time.

They also have much lower noise and vibration levels compared to conventional diesel vehicles.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Waltham Forest council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “It is encouraging to see that TFL have chosen Waltham Forest to trial this new technology, as we have pressed them for action on improving air quality across the borough.

“We know that traffic on our busiest roads is the main contributor to Waltham Forest’s poor air quality, so hopefully this trial will have the desired effect and we can see this technology rolled out on all buses servicing the borough.”

The trial is due to start next year.

The trial will establish whether the new technology can stand up to the rigours of operating in a busy urban area.

It will also help TFL understand whether electric-only buses could be realistically achieved, and whether any modifications would be needed before hybrid buses could be rolled out more widely.

Plans are also under way to improve air quality in the area around Selborne Walk in Walthamstow.