Our ref: FOI-2020-2425 / FOI-2117-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 23 September 2024 asking for further information on emergency responses on the London Underground.

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. You asked:

FOI-2020-2425 As far as request 1 is concerned what we are looking for is the protocol involved where there is a message from the public on the emergency system that there is a person on the line. What can the receiver actually do? Eg can there be direct communication with the driver of any incoming train to stop? Is there a traffic light system for trains to stop?

FOI-2117-2425 1) thank you for your information regarding the emergency messaging system. If a member of the public messaged that a person had fallen on to the line, what are the emergency steps which could be taken? E.g., is there a traffic light system which could be turned to red? Does the supervisor/manager have a direct communication with the oncoming train driver?

We are committed to ensuring a safe and reliable transport network for all our customers and staff. The processes, policies and procedures that our staff adhere to are aligned to industry best practice. This allows us to run our services safely for our customers and our staff. We remain committed to our Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury on the transport network, which is an essential part of building a better London for everyone.

The protocol where a message is received at a station from the public regarding a person on the line is as follows:

• Customer activates the emergency call point on the platform.
• The supervisor/manager on the station contacts the line controller as an emergency call that a person is on the track.
• The Line Controller trips out the traction current (instant switch off of the power) on the Tunnel Telephone panel. This stops train movement through the section.

• The Line Controller confirms with LU Power Control the section has been deactivated through their actions to prevent switching power back on until incident is resolved.

   

The protocol if a passenger activates a Passenger Emergency Alarm on a Train:

• Train stops immediately.
• The Train Operator is able to speak directly to the Passenger who has activated the emergency alarm.
• The train Operator speaks to the Line Controller
• The Line Controller trips out the traction current (instant switch off of the power) on the Tunnel Telephone panel. This stops train movement through the section.

• The Line Controller confirms with LU Power Control the section has been deactivated through their actions to prevent switching power back on until incident is resolved.

   

FOI-2020-2425 As far as request 2 is concerned the specific stations are Clapham North and Clapham Common. Our understanding is that at those stations there are instructions that drivers should not open doors until there is another train on the opposite side of the platform. Is that correct.

FOI-2117-2425 2) Our previous request regarding driver protocol at Clapham should have specified Clapham North and Clapham Common. It is based on information received. May we ask that you check with drivers specifically if the practice is that doors are not opened until and unless there is a train on the other side of the island platform?

The only time the Northern Line service control would wait until another train is in the opposite platform at Clapham Common and Clapham North is if a train was being detrained of its passengers. Otherwise, the train doors open through same procedure as at any other station. 

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Tahsin Prima

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London