Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 22 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 2nd February, 362 c315W, on London Underground, what evidence his Department has obtained to show that the figures for the maximum capacity of London Underground train carriages are compatible with the health and safety of passengers.

Answer: Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2001, Official Report, column 315W, on London Underground, what evidence his Department has obtained to show that the figures for the maximum capacity of London Underground train carriages are compatible with the health and safety of passengers. [154399] Mr. Hill: The health and safety of passengers is the responsibility of London Underground and it is the Underground's top priority. I understand that the capacity of London Underground carriages is not itself considered to be a health and safety issue. However, London Underground recognises the possible safety implications of overcrowding. Access to platforms, and therefore trains, is restricted whenever necessary on safety grounds.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 154399; 365 c283W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Passengers London Underground Overcrowding Travel Safety Underground railways Rolling stock
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk