More buses are being introduced on eight routes through London just days before the introduction of the congestion charge.

Passengers in Southwark, Lewisham and Camden are among those who should see more frequent and more reliable buses from this weekend.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has been pouring money into London's buses to provide an extra 11,000 spaces at rush hour.

He hopes drivers planning to give up their cars once the congestion charge is introduced on Monday will take the bus instead.

Routes with more buses

2: West Norwood to Baker St 30: Hackney Wick to Marble Arch 53/N53: Trafalgar Square to Plumstead Station 259: King's Cross to Edmonton Green

Transport for London has reported there has been a 6% increase in bus use over the past year and the most passengers since 1975.

But a report out last week suggested that most new public transport commuters would head straight for the already-overcrowded Tube.

Transport chiefs say 11 London boroughs will benefit from improvements unveiled this weekend.

They include two new routes, the 432 from West Norwood to Crystal Palace and the 453 and the N453 from Marylebone Station to Deptford Broadway.

The 453 will also travel between Baker Street and Regent Street - an important commuter corridor.

Mr Livingstone said: "These improvements bring more and better buses to communities across the capital.

"London's buses are better value, more reliable and are getting more frequent than ever."