New London tube map goes round in circles

Both commuters and tourists can struggle with the layout of the London Underground map but a new circular design could end their travel woes.

Dr Max Roberts designed a map based on circles and straight lines but admitted it is unlikely to be implemented in the near future.

Dr Roberts told the Going Underground blog: "With the new orbital loop surrounding Central London, some people are suggesting a mapping approach based on circles to emphasise this feature.

"There is nothing new here, and Berlin, Paris, Moscow and Madrid have all received this treatment in the past.

"Grounding a map in familiar shapes such as circles can make it easy to comprehend. However, it is also possible to push a design priority too far.

"As the old saying goes, be careful of what you might desire, in case you get it."

Henry Beck designed the London Underground tube map in 1933 but it has been updated since.