London Underground Escalators

HC Deb 08 April 1964 vol 692 cc996-7

11. Mr. David James

asked the Minister of Transport how many London Underground escalators descend on the right hand side and the left hand side, respectively.

Mr. Marples

I am told by the London Transport Board that this depends on the flow of traffic and that all escalators are reversible. Normally, 41 descend on the right hand side and 31 on the left. In addition, there are 22 which are inside banks of three or more escalators and three which are on their own.

Mr. James

As traffic in this country keeps to the left, would it not be to the general convenience if all escalators came down and went up on the left, thereby preventing a rugger scrum at Underground stations?

Mr. Marples

At peak hours there seems to be a rugger scrum whatever we do. I shall draw the attention of the Board to what my hon. Friend has said, but primarily it is a matter for management.

Mr. Lipton

Would there not be an improvement if the London Transport Board could arrange that the bits of wood on the steps of escalators were wider apart as at present they damage the heels of ladies' shoes?

Mr. Marples

I do not know as much about ladies' heels as does the hon. Member, but I shall draw the attention of the Board to that point; but ladies' heels do a lot of damage in other respects.