While many Londoners began working from home during the pandemic, there has been a steady return to the office for some. You might think you’re a dab hand at navigating the London Underground and all it’s unspoken rules, there are actually some lesser known rules that could land you with a fine.
No, it’s not eating on the Tube, but something perhaps equally as heinous to most Brits – jumping the queue. Many don’t realise that this popular British pastime isn’t just a matter of politeness while waiting on Tube platforms, it’s actually compulsory.
Queuing to get onto London Underground services is one of eight Transport for London byelaws. You may think smoking, drinking or playing loud music are more severe offences, but queuing is actually the first point of ‘conduct and behaviour’ on the list.
If you’re told to queue, you must join the back of it according to the bylaw
(Image: Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
According to TfL: “The operator or an authorised person may require any person to queue in order to regulate order or safety on or near the railway. Any person directed by a notice to queue or asked to queue by an authorised person shall join the rear of the queue and obey the reasonable instructions of any authorised person regulating the queue.”
So, if you see a sign or a TfL staff member tells you to queue up, you’d better hop to it, or face consequences. If there’s no directive, you might think you’re in the clear. Yet if you decide to skip, beware the watchful eyes of fellow Brits – your peace will surely be short-lived.
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