To: Transport for London (TfL), MTR Rail, STM Group, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and relevant authorities,

 

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the lack of safety measures and infrastructure for station staff working on the Elizabeth Line, particularly in light of the recent tragic incident at Ilford Station where a staff member lost their life. This petition highlights the dire need for improved safety protocols and secure working conditions for all station staff on the Elizabeth Line.

 

Issues Raised

• Absence of Staff Cubicles/Safety Booths

Unlike the TfL Underground network, Elizabeth Line stations lack enclosed staff cubicles or safety booths, leaving staff vulnerable to direct physical attacks and threats from members of the public.

• Insufficient Staffing Levels

Many Elizabeth Line stations, particularly in East London, are staffed by a single individual.

Stations that operate with minimal staffing pose a severe safety risk, as there is no immediate support available in emergencies.

• Lack of Security in Mess Areas

Station mess rooms are not secured, allowing unauthorized access while staff retreat to these areas for safety or breaks.

• Inconsistent Safety Standards

Some stations (e.g., MTR-operated ones) have better safety measures in place. However, these standards are not uniformly applied across all Elizabeth Line stations.

During the recent Ilford Station incident, the presence of additional staff ensured professional and timely handling of the situation. This level of support is not available at most other stations.

Our Demands

To address these critical issues, we urge the authorities to:

• Install Secure Staff Booths

Every station must have an enclosed and secure booth for staff to operate safely, as is standard across the TfL Underground network.

• Increase Staffing Levels

Ensure that all Elizabeth Line stations are manned by multiple staff members at all times to provide mutual support in emergencies.

• Secure Access to Staff Areas

Restrict public access to mess rooms and ensure they remain safe spaces for staff.

• Implement Emergency Safety Protocols

Establish clear, enforceable guidelines to handle threats or violence against staff and provide training to mitigate such risks.

• Uniform Safety Standards Across All Stations

Extend the best practices observed at MTR-operated stations to every Elizabeth Line station.

A Warning to the Authorities

If these urgent safety measures are not implemented promptly, station staff will be unable to perform their duties effectively. For instance:

Staff may open gates for any member of the public who requests it, as ensuring personal safety will take precedence over enforcing rules.

Staff may decline to intervene in situations where their lives are endangered.

Conclusion

The recent incident at Ilford Station highlights the potential risks faced by station staff every day. If experienced staff are not safe, how can newer employees feel secure in their roles? Without immediate and meaningful changes, the safety and morale of station staff will continue to decline, affecting the overall operation of the Elizabeth Line.

We demand action now to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safe and secure work environment for all.