A six-month pilot study is now to be scrapped (Picture:Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

They were described as ‘going against everything about being British’ when they were introduced last year.

However, after a six-month pilot that was described, in part at least, as a ‘success’, standing-only escalators are to be scrapped on the London Underground.

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The standing-only scheme was introduced to try and improve commuter flow at peak times at tube stations.

Passengers were asked to break with convention at Holborn station last year by standing on both sides of the escalator instead of leaving the left open for walkers.


And, according to the Evening Standard, the trial did work to some extent.

The pilot eased congestion on longer escalators but not those shorter than 60ft (Picture: Getty)

A Freedom of Request revealed that at peak times station capacity increased by 30% – standing-only escalators can handle 151 passengers per minute compared to 115 on traditional escalators.



But while it helps congestion on longer escalators, there are no improvements on shorter ones (below 60ft) where people are more willing to walk.

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Mark Evers, director of customer strategy for London Underground, said they were pleased with the “success” of scheme.

He added ‘Although there are no current plans to trial this scheme more widely, initiatives to make customer journeys quicker and more comfortable are constantly being tested across the TfL network.

‘As London’s population grows, developing potential solutions to reduce congestion will ensure that our customers continue to receive the best possible service.’

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