London mayor Boris Johnson has sought to distance himself from suggestions that driverless buses could be introduced in the capital.

A document published by the mayor's office this week said the technology could result in cost savings and form part of a "paradigm shift" in transportation, The Guardian reports.

However, shortly after the publication of the document, a spokesman for the mayor's office said "there are no plans for automated buses" in the capital.

Instead, he suggested the comments about driverless technology "should be seen in the context of automation on the tube".

There has been some controversy over plans to introduce the technology in London, with the mayor launching a bid in 2012 to introduce driverless trains.

Only the Docklands Light Railway currently operates with no drivers in the capital, although a member of staff still needs to be present on trains as a safety measure.