Request ID: FOI-1398-2425 Date published: 29 August 2024
You asked
Since your last email to me of the 22nd May 2023 in which you provided information about improvements and also that you were 'putting together a programme of works that will give the station a much needed face lift" nothing much has happened. One escalator was fixed, then it stopped working and now there are two out of service. Also, the lift was filthy this morning at 9:30am with crisps left from the night before (I was also in that lift yesterday).
Today there were many visitors including large groups of overseas students because as you know, Greenwich is a World Heritage site attracting millions of people and there were parents with prams unable to get to the lift because of the crowds. No one from TfL was around to assist and guide passengers.
In that last email you also provided a website link about 'improving the dlr'. Please can you provide the latest update here please
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1398-2425
Thank you for your request received on 3 August 2024 asking for information about the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR station. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
We apologise for the ongoing reliability issues customers are experiencing with the escalators at Cutty Sark station. We appreciate the escalators are the primary way to access the station and we continue to work hard to ensure they are operational at all times. We have recently carried out an extensive overhaul to improve reliability and availability of the escalators at this station. All four escalators remain in safe operation and are subject to regular safety inspections. Escalator 1 was operational and in service until 25 July 2024 when an inspection was undertaken. This escalator was removed from service due to defects being identified during this inspection but following some minor modifications returned back into operational service on 16 August 2024. There was a previously scheduled overhaul project (similar to the project the other three escalators have gone through) which now awaits a further review and funding to be secured. Escalator 3 was taken out of service following the identification of a safety defect during the routine planned maintenance inspection. As this asset has recently been extensively overhauled to improve reliability and availability, the DLR Project Delivery team are in communication with the contractor to schedule their return to site to fix the issue. We are also looking to refresh and repaint the stairwell in September to enhance this area, which is running alongside a signage renewal project in certain areas of the station.
We also apologise about the cleanliness at the station which has been flagged with our operator, KeolisAmey Docklands, who can ensure regular planned cleaning at the station takes place. This is currently scheduled twice a day with a deep clean scheduled every 13 weeks. The deep cleaning takes place at night and typically takes eight nights to complete.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
