80 Tube platform 'blind spots' could put commuters' lives at risk during rush hour crush, claims union

Overcrowding risk: The Aslef union said 'blind spots' were caused by congestion on platforms
PA
Sebastian Mann24 November 2015

Up to 80 Tube platform “blind spots” pose a serious risk to commuters during the rush hour crush, a Tube union has claimed.

London Underground drivers have to cope with blocked views during busy times at dozens of danger stations, meaning passenger accidents such as falling down the gap or getting trapped by the doors could go unnoticed, Aslef said.

Platforms at major interchanges including Victoria, Bank and Stratford are said to be affected.

Tube bosses rejected the claims and said the Underground was one of the safest metro networks in the world, with major injuries at their lowest level for more than 10 years.

But Aslef district organiser Finn Brennan claimed sub-standard video equipment used by drivers and a shortage of staff on platforms posed a serious risk to life.

“We are informing our members of these high risk locations so that they can make sure trains only depart when it is safe to do so,” he said.

'High risk' platforms

  • King's Cross St Pancras: Northern line, northbound
  • Clapham South: Northern line, northbound
  • Victoria: Victoria line, northbound and southbound
  • Oxford Circus: Victoria line, northbound
  • Green Park: Piccadilly line, eastbound
  • Stratford: Central line, eastbound and westbound
  • Bank: Central line, eastbound and westbound

“With the huge increase in passenger numbers, coupled with cuts in staffing, the Underground is starting to reach breaking point.

"Safety has to remain the priority.”

Aslef claimed 190 separate platforms on deep-level Tube lines such as the Victoria, Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines posed problems for drivers.

Eighty of them are said to be high risk.

Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Tube is recognised as one of the safest metros around the world and the safety and security of our customers and staff is our top priority.

“Our platforms are staffed during all busy periods and we have no plans to change this policy.

“The number of major injuries suffered on the London Underground network is at its lowest level in over a decade, despite the fact we are carrying significantly more customers.

“However we are not complacent, and in addition to our ongoing safety improvement programmes we work closely with the Office of Rail and Road to develop and implement any improvements or recommendations they make.”

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