Drivers were urged to switch off their engines as they waited at a level crossing in Richmond - by costumed activists.

The group from Extinction Rebellion Richmond staged a protest beside a No idling sign near North Sheen station.

Motorists face a £40 fine if they fail to turn off their engines when stopped in the borough.

Extinction Rebellion said they were inspired by a former mayor of Bogotá in Colombia who, in 1995, found that drivers were ignoring road signs.

To improve compliance and road safety he hired 400 actors and drama students who dressed in costume and mimed their dangerous behaviour in front of the general public who booed or laughed to show their disapproval.

Extinction Rebellion said: "Inspired by the theatrical experiments of Mayor Mockus of Bogotá, costumed members of XR Richmond remind drivers waiting at the Manor Road level crossing to switch off their engines, reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions."

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