Petition calls for morning entry to Southgate Station during escalator works

Petition text

Request TFL to allow morning entry at Southgate Station during works

Southgate Tube Station is a vital transport link for thousands of residents, workers, students, and families. TfL’s current plan to make the station exit-only for ten weeks early next year (due to essential escalator maintenance) will create major challenges for the local community.

While safety must always come first, the proposed arrangement does not adequately consider the impact on morning commuters, who rely on Southgate Station to reach their workplaces, schools, and commitments across London.

The Problem

• The nearest alternative stations are roughly a 30-minute walk away, which is especially difficult during winter, for older residents, and for those with mobility needs.
• No free replacement bus service has been planned, increasing both travel time and daily costs for commuters.
• Local routes already suffer from heavy traffic and congestion during rush hour. Redirecting all morning commuters onto buses or into cars will make this significantly worse.
• The current plan means thousands of people will face longer, more stressful, and more expensive journeys for the entire duration of the works.

A Sensible, Practical Solution

We are asking TfL to modify its plan by adopting a split operational approach:

• Entry-only during the morning peak (to support commuters travelling into work or school)
• Exit-only during the evening peak (to maintain safe passenger flow with the remaining escalator)

This compromise is straightforward, low-cost, and maintains safety requirements while easing pressure on local transport and traffic.

Why This Matters

Implementing a morning entry period would:

• Reduce disruption for thousands of residents
• Support commuters, parents, carers, students, and local businesses
• Limit additional road congestion and emissions
• Provide a more balanced, community-friendly solution without compromising the essential works
• This is a reasonable and responsible adjustment that would make a meaningful difference to people’s daily lives.

What We Are Asking

We urge Transport for London to:

• Review the operational plan for Southgate Station during the escalator works
• Introduce morning entry-only access
• Maintain evening exit-only access for safety
• Communicate revised arrangements clearly to the local community

Please sign this petition to show TfL that commuters and residents deserve a practical, balanced solution.

Sign the petition