Build UK has urged contractors working on projects in London to stagger site start and finish times, after scenes of overcrowding on the London Underground.
The call came after the BBC yesterday (14 January) revealed security camera footage of construction workers packed onto the platform at Canning Town station.
Transport for London (TfL) said the overcrowding had been caused by train cancellations as a result of staff absence and was not a common problem.
EXC: Tube drivers getting increasingly concerned at number of travellers. This footage sent to me was Canning Town first thing. pic.twitter.com/reg1yOD9bT— Tom Edwards (@BBCTomEdwards) January 14, 2021
Nick Dent, London Underground’s director of line operations said: “Three Jubilee trains serving Canning Town were unfortunately cancelled at short notice this morning due to staff absence, causing higher numbers of people to be waiting on platforms for a short amount of time. This morning’s video is not representative of the rest of the Tube network nor of this station for the rest of the day.
“We are going everything we can to help ensure those who need to travel for legally permitted reasons are able to do so in a safe way and maintain social distancing.”
TfL urged passengers to travel between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays when services are quieter.
Meanwhile, Build UK said: “To relieve pressure on the tube and bus network, sites in London are being urged to introduce staggered start/finish times and to walk or cycle as part of their journey.
“Workers should be supported to avoid travelling during peak times of 05:45 – 08:15 and 16:00 – 17:30.”
Build UK’s comments follow a call by Construction Leadership co-chair Andy Mitchell for the construction industry to “critically challenge what works can genuinely not be done at home.”
