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A new Tube announcement telling passengers not to wait in yellow boxes at some of London’s busiest stations is being tested in the latest bid to ease underground congestion.

London Underground said passengers will be asked to move from the crisscross markings, similar to those seen at road junctions, painted at either end of the Northern line platforms at Bank station to prevent overcrowding when people come down the stairs.

But unlike motorists who face a penalty charge for loitering in the boxes, travellers will simply be reminded to move along the platform.

A new automated announcement, which was heard last week, tells passengers “Do not wait in the yellow boxed area to avoid congestion”.

Similar announcements are being tested at Victoria and Oxford Circus, where overcrowding can be a persistent problem.

A Transport for London spokeswoman confirmed the initiative was in place at three central London stations.

Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is part of our work to reduce congestion and improve journeys for our customers as London grows.

“Our staff on the platforms continue to encourage customers to use the full length of the platform and to take care getting on and off trains.”

In December, it was revealed Oxford Circus closes on average almost once every three days because of overcrowding.

Passengers were shut out of London’s busiest station 113 times in a year and on 52 occasions at Bank station.

The latest move comes as a six-month trial is due to start at Holborn station for commuters to stand on both sides of the escalator.

Passengers are being asked to ignore the decades-old "walk on the left" rule in a bid to cut queues and ease congestion.

Transport for London said 30 per cent more people could travel on the escalator if they stood on both sides following a three-week test run at the station last year.