For reasons not provided to the public transport for London is using one-way systems at several stations. I do not refer to the evidently sensible "keep left" markers. However, stations such as North Greenwich (Jubilee line), Kings Cross St Pancras (underground), Woolwich Arsenal DLR have full-time one-way systems that close selected entrances and exists. There are also stations such as Stratford where entrances and exists are closed during peak hours. The effect of this is that passengers must spend at least twice as long in the station, which doubles the crowding, Also disabled passengers (walking but not needing a wheelchair) are severely inconvenienced by having to walk twice as far. Please can you supply the SCNEINCIF EVIDENCE that entrances and exists reduces the risk to the public of spreading CV19 that justifies the orders being made by TfL staff to the public. I have searched the research and I cannot find any for entrances and exits are closure. Many thanks.

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TfL Ref: FOI-0965-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3^rd September 2020 asking for information about one way systems in place at certain London stations.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. 

Specifically you asked:

“Please can you supply the SCNEINCIF EVIDENCE that entrances and exists reduces the risk to the public of spreading CV19 that justifies the orders being made by TfL staff to the public. I have searched the research and I cannot find any for entrances and exits are closure.“

TfL does not hold the requested information. One way systems have been introduced at certain stations to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID 19 in line with guidance provided to transport operators by the Government. The implementation of one way systems helps TfL to manage social distancing by directing customer flow in a particular direction. If this was not in place we would have “cross flows” which would make it more challenging to support our customers to follow the government guidelines on social distancing. Note that the guidance to transport operators can be found on the GOV.UK website here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators

For more information about the evidence underpinning the guidance you may wish to contact the Department for Transport (DfT). FOI requests to the DfT can be made online here:

https://forms.dft.gov.uk/foi-dft-and-dft-agencies/).

Information for passengers who need assistance with their journeys on the TfL network can be found on our website here:

https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/help-from-staff

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request to TfL please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

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,

David Wells

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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