TfL won't widen London Underground platforms at 2 stations despite 'safety risk'
Sadiq Khan has said that Transport for London (TfL) will not widen platforms at two Tube stations despite 'safety risks'. Clapham South and Clapham Common are the only stops on the Underground network where passengers embark and disembark onto islands between tracks.
On May 5, 2023, panicked customers smashed train windows at Clapham Common because they thought there was a fire. A mechanical incident on a ventilator fan resulted in smoke and/or brake dust appearing at around 5.43pm.
The train stopped but the doors did not open. The incident was investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), an arm of the Government.
Labour London Assembly Member Marina Ahmad told Mr Khan: "Narrow central islands in Underground stations can limit passenger capacity at peak times. They can also be an issue causing safety concerns as they were during the train evacuation at Clapham Common in May 2023.
"The Rail Accident Investigation Branch report on Clapham Common has now been released and paragraph 135 states that London Underground '…did not identify the risk of passenger evacuation from a partially deplatformed train, in particular at narrow island platforms, such as Clapham Common."
She then asked: "Will the Mayor commission work to identify risks at small island stations, and whether enlargement of platforms would be better for capacity, the economy and safety?"
Works 'would be disproportionate to the benefits'
The Mayor said: "Following the incident in May 2023, and prior to the publication of the RAIB investigation report, Transport for London (TfL) reviewed the safety risk to its customers at island platforms. There are two stations with island platforms on the Tube network.
"As a result, TfL updated the relevant risk assessments and ensured that congestion plans consider these risks and the risks of passenger evacuation from a partially de-platformed train. TfL has considered the potential safety risk closely, including the possibility of widening these platforms.
"To do so would require significant works to be carried out at the station, including expanding tunnels to allow for the wider platforms. Such works would require closure of the stations for a considerable period of time which would be disproportionate to the benefits.
"There would also be significant costs. At this stage, TfL does not have any proposals to undertake such works and considers that it can manage the risk to customers effectively with current measures. TfL will continue to keep this under review."
Get the latest travel news from London's roads, trains and buses with our new London Traffic and Travel newsletter. You can sign up HERE.