FOI request detail

Curry Sark DLR Escalators

Request ID: FOI-0272-2223
Date published: 06 June 2022

You asked

I would like to request a status update into the never ending repairs of the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR. My questions: What is the seemingly unending delay? Why is it taking *so* long and what are you waiting for? Please be specific. Other escalators on the DLR seem to be maintained perfectly well. Where and to whom is the public money going and how much? Why does *nothing* ever appeared to be being done? You mentioned in FOI request FOI-2566-2122 that work was supposed to commence in March 2022 - that was two months ago. Why has this still not happened? Can we have a *realistic* timeline of these repairs? When I say realistic, I mean REALISTIC, not an optimistic guess based on a finger in the air working hypothesis that changes every month. The public are tired of having to take the tiring, dirty and uninviting stairs with seemingly no end in sight and constant moving goalposts and radio silence from TFL. There is nobody ever working there and the 'temporary' structures are basically permanent now.

We answered

Thank you for your request received by us on 9 May 2021 asking for information about escalators at Cutty Sark DLR station.
 
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
 
I would like to request a status update into the never ending repairs of the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR. My questions:
 
What is the seemingly unending delay? Why is it taking *so* long and what are you waiting for?
Where and to whom is the public money going and how much?
 
We have appointed Kone PLC to carry out the works. The contract value is £520k.

The escalators were taken out of service to facilitate intrusive surveys to establish the extent of the repairs required. Once these surveys were completed, the work required was identified to fix the escalators.  However, there was unfortunately a long lead time that was required for the order and delivery of one of the items which caused an initial delay and this was compounded by COVID-19 which resulted in further delays to delivery times from Kone’s factory in China.
 
Why does *nothing* ever appeared to be being done? You mentioned in FOI request FOI-2566-2122 that work was supposed to commence in March 2022 - that was two months ago. Why has this still not happened?
Can we have a *realistic* timeline of these repairs?
 
The works at Cutty Sark station started on 9 May 2022.
 
Below are a few key dates for the Cutty Sark escalators as follows:

The other two escalators will follow on and further dates will be confirmed.
 
  Works Started Estimated return to service
Escalator 3 (mezzanine -street) May 2022 July 2022
Escalator 2  (platform – mezzanine) June 2022 July 2022
Escalator 4 (mezzanine -street) July 2022 August 2022
Escalator 1 (platform – mezzanine) October 2022* November 2022
* After the London Marathon    
     
 
Please note that there are multiple variables when undertaking these complex works, and whilst the current dates are estimated and based on the latest information, they are subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. However, we will always seek to eliminate or mitigate all known risks as much as possible to ensure milestones are achieved.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely


Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

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