Request ID: FOI-4742-2324 Date published: 22 April 2024
You asked
Please could you answer the following:
1. The exact nature of the fault on the descending escalator.
2. Timescales for the repair being made.
3. Why it cannot be used as a fixed staircase to ease overcrowding.
4. Why the other escalator cannot be reversed in morning peak hours.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-4742-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 March 2024 asking for information about the escalator at Tottenham Hale Underground Station.
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 some of the information you require.
The escalator was taken out of service as it was found the Auxiliary Brake shoes had started to degrade with a section of liner braking away, compromising the braking efficiency of the escalator.
The initial timescale for the repair was 3 weeks, but we were able to get the contractor to prioritise this repair. The escalator was taken out of service at the beginning of 14/03/24 and & returned to service for start of service on 29/03/24.
This is an MH-A type escalator, the heaviest duty escalator we maintain. Lifting equipment, and staging was required at each stage due to the weight of the components. The repair task involved removing several steps plus the complete Auxilary Brake assembly making it very awkward to anchor. The escalator could therefore not be used as a fixed staircase while this work was carried out.
We do not have recorded information to provide in answer to your last point, however, this would have been a station decision, taken with consideration to matters such as the gate line layout and signage. Generally all our assets can be reversed if requested with a check over by our fitters first.
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