§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of escalators at central London Underground stations are out of service at any one time; and how many many of those stations offer alternatives for the elderly and disabled. [HL2657]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)These are operational matters for London Underground which has informed me that for April escalator availability was 88.7 per cent. I understand that regular announcements are being made at the stations where escalators are out of service and there is a comprehensive poster campaign to keep customers informed.
London Transport's Unit for Disabled Passengers provides a comprehensive advice and information service for disabled people and extensive customer information activity, including station and train announcements, posters, radio bulletins and Ceefax. This will ensure that customers are aware of the situation and may consider alternative travel options as necessary. In stations where customer care assistants are present they are trained to help people who need orientation or special assistance.