Cable car users are being advised to take alternative routes when the Emirates Air Line closes for a week.

The high-flying connection between the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula will be shut from Monday, March 13 to Sunday, March 19 for its annual maintenance programme.

This year, the continuous 2.4 km cable will inspected by experts from the company who manufactured it, while the electric drive motor and gearbox will be serviced and checks made on the complex hydraulic and electrical systems that control the operation of the cable car.

Passengers who planned to use the cable car during the week it is closed are advised to use Royal Victoria DLR then change at Canning Town for the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.

Bus services to a variety of destinations are available from both terminals.

TfL’s head of the Emirates Air Line, Danny Price, said: “We are approaching five years since the Emirates Air Line cable car opened and we continue to see more people enjoying the unique ride and views over London, welcoming over eight million customers since June 2012.

“Our planned maintenance week ensures that we can continue to run a safe and reliable service for all of our customers. We apologise for any disruption this causes. However, by carrying out all this vital work, now we will not require any further planned closures this year.”