London's iconic red buses are being given an exciting makeover as they become purple to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Transport for London (TfL) said the vehicles began displaying their commemorative wraps on the capital’s roads on Friday.

The makeover was funded by operators Arriva, RATP, Abellio, Go-Ahead, Metroline and Stagecoach.

TfL is also giving passengers using the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line or stations with a Royal link in their name a special treat as they can see and hear a celebratory message over the Jubilee weekend from June 2 to June 5.

Wimbledon Times: The iconic red has vanished from London buses as they get a purple makeover. (PA) The iconic red has vanished from London buses as they get a purple makeover. (PA)

Station announcements and digital platform displays at stations such as Walthamstow Queen’s Road, Queensbury and Royal Victoria will “help Londoners and visitors get into the party spirit”, according to TfL.

Andy Lord, the organisation's chief operating officer said: "I hope that Londoners and visitors alike will enjoy looking out for our celebratory bus wraps and station activities while making the most of what the capital has to offer during the bank holiday weekend."

However, passengers are being warned to expect "short-term safety measures" including queuing and closure of stations and roads due to the increase in travel over the long weekend.

Also key interchanges are expected to be particularly busy on Saturday night and Sunday daytime.

With TfL advising people to “avoid driving in central London” over the weekend as large events “are expected to cause travel disruption”.

The festivities will begin on Thursday with Trooping the Colour, the sovereign’s official birthday parade.

TfL often carries out engineering work during bank holiday periods but there are no planned closures over the Jubilee weekend.