Hand sanitisers and social distancing markers installed at London’s busiest taxi ranks

Hand sanitisers and social distancing markers have been installed at London’s busiest ranks to help drivers and passengers stay safe and adhere to Government guidelines.

As shops, pubs, restaurants and other venues begin to open across London as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased, Transport for London's (TfL's) new Commissioner - Andy Byford - today saw some of the new measures underway to make the transport network cleaner than ever. 

Having just taken the helm of London's transport network, Byford joined the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to see deep cleaning work taking place at Southwark station ahead of its reopening on Monday. They saw some of the huge range of cleaning and hygiene measures that have been introduced across the transport network, which include:

• Use of additional hospital-grade cleaning substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact, and protect for up to 30 days.

• Key interchanges being cleaned more frequently - including during the day.

• All regular 'touch point' areas on buses, such as poles and doors, being wiped down with a strong disinfectant every day.

In addition to these measures, a trial is underway to use UV light to clean the handrails on escalators on the Tube network. The device, which could help supplement TfL's extensive anti-viral cleaning regime, is connected to the escalator handrail and uses its motion to power a UV bulb that breaks down surface contamination to sanitise the handrail. TfL is now assessing the benefits of the technology, which could be installed more widely in the future.

New signage, posters and platform stickers have been installed across the network, helping everyone to maintain social distancing. One-way systems and queuing arrangements will be in use wherever needed and 1,000 hand sanitising points have been installed across the TfL network.

Andy Byford, London's Transport Commissioner, said: "A huge range of measures are in place across the transport network to ensure it is cleaner than ever, including the use of new hospital-grade substances, 1,000 hand sanitiser points, and a new trial of UV technology to sanitise hand rails. Other measures to keep people safe include social distancing signage and the mandatory wearing of face coverings.

"As customers continue to return in greater numbers as pandemic restrictions are gradually eased, there are some simple steps that everyone can take to ensure they stay safe. This includes travelling at quieter times, regular hand cleaning and staying alert to the latest Government advice.

"We all want London to continue to get back on its feet, and TfL is fully focussed on supporting this as we strive to make sure that customers and staff are safe." 

Image credit: Transport for London (TfL)