IF one in five London drivers chose a hybrid petrol/electric car, the environmental effect would be the same as taking 10,000 cars off the road, it has been claimed.

Research by Honda shows that by 20% of motorists in the capital switching to a part-electric car, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 35,000 tonnes – the equivalent weight of four Big Ben towers.

In response to the finding, Honda has launched a No Choke campaign, highlighting the benefits of environmentally-friendlier vehicles.