§ 48. Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for passenger safety on the London Underground of the installation of automatic ticket barriers to replace manned ticket booths.
§ Mr. David MitchellLondon Underground Limited has discussed the safety implications of the new system with the railway inspectorate. All the new automatic ticket barriers can be opened simultaneously from any one of at least three separate places on each station.
447WInspecting officers have visited a number of stations where the new barriers have been installed and are satisfied that the arrangements for the emergency opening of the gates are satisfactory. There will be a wider overall opening in the barrier line with the new system compared with the old manned ticket booth system. Therefore a better means of escape in an emergency will be provided.