Launched by London Mayor Boris Johnson in a hail of publicity, the new Routemaster-style London bus needed the assistance of a heavy recovery unit a little earlier in its new career than might have been expected.

Just hours after a press photo call the new Hybrid bus was spotted broken down on the M1 motorway.

Operators Transport for London said that battery-warning lights had come on and the driver pulled over and called for help as a precaution. However, they managed to sort the problem, which was compounded by low fuel and avoid the spectacle of the shinny new hybrid being towed home. A spokesman said that the vehicle's hybrid battery was configured for London roads and not for long stretches on motorways.