FOI request detail

Speed of escalators

Request ID: FOI-0690-2425
Date published: 20 June 2024

You asked

Freedom of Information request: Please could you send me any information you have on: - The average speed of escalators in Tube stations when escalators are in use. - Whether the average speed has increased over the past two years. - How often the average actual speed of escalators is checked against what the speed should be. Whether over the past two years, there have been any cases where the actual average speed is greater than what the speed should be. - The number of accidents and/or deaths that have occured over the past two years that were partly or completely cause by an escalator in a Tube station being too fast. - Whether any escalators' systems/equipment are connected to the internet.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-0690-2425/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 May 2024 asking for information about the speed of escalators.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

- The average speed of escalators in Tube stations when escalators are in use.
London Underground operates escalators at two main speeds whilst running. These are 0.75 m/s (metres per second) and 0.65 m/s. These are in keeping with the European Standard for Escalators EN115. The difference in speeds relates to the space available - the slower speed is used where the customer run off/on distance maybe more constrained and allows a similar time for the customer to adjust their position safely whilst using the escalator before they step on or off.

- Whether the average speed has increased over the past two years.
The average speed of an escalator has not increased over the past two years.

- How often the average actual speed of escalators is checked against what the speed should be. Whether over the past two years, there have been any cases where the actual average speed is greater than what the speed should be.
The European Standard EN115 requires the speed of escalators to be monitored, so effectively they constantly self check. There is a safety switch that means if the escalator speed increases (or decreases) by 5% of its normal running speed, the escalator will come to a stop. 

- The number of accidents and/or deaths that have occured over the past two years that were partly or completely cause by an escalator in a Tube station being too fast.
There have been no such accidents or fatalities over the last two years.

- Whether any escalators' systems/equipment are connected to the internet.
Escalator systems/equipment are not connected to the internet at present. Where there has been equipment connected to the internet, this has been for condition monitoring. As such, the connectivity would not allow the speed to be altered or the operation of the escalator to be influenced in any way. 

Please let me know if this is not the information you are looking for. If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

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