A woman faced charges in court for allegedly walking against the direction on an escalator at North Greenwich Underground Station in London. Michaela Copeland, 32, was accused of not using the escalator as intended for travel. It is uncertain whether she attempted to go up a down escalator or vice versa.
According to the byelaws, individuals must use escalators by either standing or walking in the designated direction. Violators of this regulation could face fines of up to £1,000. Ms. Copeland pleaded not guilty to the charge during her appearance at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
The case is set for a brief trial scheduled for April, expected to last about three hours. Walking incorrectly on an escalator is just one of the lesser-known offenses listed in the byelaws, which also prohibit misusing entrances and exits.
Furthermore, the byelaws stipulate only specific situations where individuals are allowed to manipulate lifts or escalators, including during emergencies. In a separate development, rising violence on the London Underground has spurred calls for women-only carriages. Recent data revealed a notable increase in violent offenses, prompting UCL student Camille Brown to initiate a petition urging Sadiq Khan and TfL to introduce at least one women-only carriage on all tube lines.
The petition has garnered over 14,090 verified signatures, surpassing the 10,000 threshold required for the government to address the demand.