A new initiative to encourage drivers using Tower Bridge to stop idling and switch their engines off has been launched.

It is part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s plans to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Tower Bridge is raised around 900 times a year, affecting some of the 31,000 vehicles crossing the river via the bridge every day.

New road signs will now be put up to encourage drivers to save fuel and cut emissions when there will be a long wait.

The scheme is delivered by Southwark and Tower Hamlets and jointly funded by the mayor’s £20 million Air Quality Fund.

Southwark Council has installed an air pollution monitoring system to measure the impact of the No Idling project.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, Southwark Council cabinet member for parks, public health and leisure, said: “The anti-idling scheme is a good example of joint working and it would be great to see more support coming through for local projects.

“I hope this scheme raises awareness about the damaging effects of idling with your engine on and encourages drivers across the capital to think carefully about ways they could help reduce air pollution.”

Last month Transport for London launched a new programme to reduce the emissions of freight and fleet operators in the capital.