  An alternative proof of Lie's approach for linearization of scalar second
order ODEs is derived using the relationship between $\lambda$-symmetries and
first integrals. This relation further leads to a new $\lambda$-symmetry
linearization criteria for second order ODEs which provides a new approach for
constructing the linearization transformations with lower complexity. The
effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by obtaining the local
linearization transformations for the linearizable nonlinear ODEs of the form
$y''+F_1(x,y)y'+F(x,y)=0$. Examples of linearizing nonlinear ODEs which are
quadratic or cubic in the first derivative are also presented.
