David Cameron walking in Westminster on the first day of the new Parliament

Downing Street has described as "ridiculous" suggestions David Cameron is risking his safety after being photographed walking to work.

The prime minister has decided to dispense with motorcycle outriders for his official car and was pictured walking between government buildings.

A spokeswoman at Number 10 said there was "very high security" at all times.

She said the new PM is conscious of security and "would not take wild risks".

She added: "The prime minister does try to get outside when he can, but wouldn't do something which would endanger his safety."

Mr Cameron was photographed last week in his official car, stuck in traffic and without police motorcycle outriders, and walking in Westminster surrounded by tourists.

Downing Street said he would cope with traffic as the public do, but outriders may be used for occasions such as state visits, or amid security concerns.

At the time, Andy Hayman, the former head of anti-terrorism at Scotland Yard, said the decision is misguided.

Last week he told the BBC Radio 4 he understood the prime minister "wants to have no fuss", but the outriders were needed in the event of an attack against his when they could get him away from the scene quickly.

I can hardly see why he's at any more risk than when he was tory leader, people are fairly satified with the fresh gov't

The unions? Joe Taxpayer? Al Q's Westminster Jihad Battalion (Oxford educated) - it could get very dangerous for Dave very quickly with just the wrong comment

With reason it would be a big incident but an assasination wouldn't make any difference because they'd just choose another leader, hague again.

Personally I think the new Prime Minister is to be applauded, particularly for walking around Whitehall as opposed to using a car to go to a building just a few streets away.

Agreed and I do hope that nothing bad comes of it. If it means we have leaders who are not isolated hopefully it will mean better judgement.