New TfL announcements aimed at preventing bus passengers from falling over have been panned by Londoners.

The warning, "Please hold on, the bus is about to move" was introduced on buses across the captial last week.

TfL says the advice is designed to reduce accidents on public transport, after more than 3,000 people were injured in trips and falls on buses in London last year.

However, the announcements have been widely ridiculed by passengers, who have criticised their timing and branded them "annoying".

Many have taken to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

Iain Hector said: "@tfl Please stop announcing that the bus is about to move, particularly 10 seconds after it moves away from every bus stop."

Jennifer Rusby added: "Please @tfl spare us from the inane announcement recently introduced on London buses. “Please hold on, the bus is about to move”. You take us for idiots!"

Despite criticism, some have also praised the scheme, saying it makes travel easier for the elderly and people with certain disabilities.

Labour Party activist Sarah Cundy tweeted: "The other day I listened to a disabled [Constituency Labour Party] member talk about how necessary having a tannoy on busses is in enabling people like him to travel independently.

"I'd encourage people to think of this before they moan about the new TfL 'bus is about to move' announcements, thanks."

TfL's director of bus operations Claire Mann said "Passenger safety is our top priority so we've been trialling this announcement to assess if it helps reduce the number of people hurt ?in slips and falls.

"Clearly there are some adjustments we need to make and we're working on that now. We will carefully monitor the trial to see how effective it is in reducing injuries."