London Underground trains will operate a “one out, ten in” policy from next week, to ease the risk of overcrowding and death on the busiest services.

Transport for London (TfL) said recent research had shown commuters at the busiest stations were operating on the understanding that if one person gets off the train, at least 30 can get on, and this was leading to dangerous levels of congestion.

And so the organisation has now introduced a strict policy whereby between the hours of 8 and 8.30am, for every one person that gets off, ten can get on – except at Clapham Common and Clapham North, where the usual fight to the death to secure a space will be allowed to continue.

A TfL spokesperson said: “I think it’s quite clear that the current levels of congestion on morning trains on the busiest routes are not sustainable. We had some tubes where people were packed up to the rafters like sardines.

“This new plan should reduce the uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing crushes that commuters experience on a daily basis to a more reasonable level.”

But not all tube users are happy with the policy, with some calling for TfL to stop with its interventionist policies.

Stockwell resident James McCarthy told the London Gonzo: “I’m not sure why this needs regulation. It’s pretty clear that the general rule of thumb is: if you’re on the tube already, it’s completely full and there’s no space for anyone to get on whatsoever, but if you’re on the platform waiting to get on – there’s loads of room and everyone should move down the aisle and stuff being such selfish, inflexible f**ks.”

By Callum Mason

Image: Chris O