§ 26. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning plans by London Underground Ltd. to install automatic ticketing systems.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe design and safety of this system is the responsibility of the London Underground, but I am informed that the new ticket gates will provide more passenger openings than the traditional barrier line, and in the event of emergency can quickly be set to a fully open position either locally or from the central command station at Baker street. In addition they are designed to be fail-safe in the event of a sudden loss of power or air supply, allowing passengers to push through easily and rapidly. Reports of wire mesh cages are entirely false.
§ 59. Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the safety implications of the installation of automatic ticketing systems on the London underground.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have been made aware of the features being provided as part of the new underground ticketing system to ensure its effective and safe operation in the event of an emergency.