London’s commuters are well-versed in navigating the labyrinthine underground system and adhering to the unspoken escalator etiquette. Whether you’re a right-side stander, letting the escalator do all the work, or a left-side sprinter, eager to catch the earliest possible Tube, these moving staircases are an integral part of London travel.
Government data reveals that around two million commuters use the tube daily, placing significant demand on these escalators to transport people swiftly and efficiently. While some tube stations are renowned for their beautiful tiles, stunning lampposts, unique artwork or historical posters, Angel station holds a special distinction – it’s home to the Underground’s longest escalator.
Situated on Islington Road, Angel boasts an escalator measuring 197cm or 60ft in length with a vertical rise of 27.5m. It’s one of only fourteen stations where escalators provide the sole access to the tube platforms.
Don’t look down on this escalator if you’re scared of heights
(Image: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire)
This escalator is the second-longest in the UK, surpassed only by one at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal five. The Royal Academy of Engineering, in a report on the mathematics of the London Underground, states that escalators on the transport network travel at a speed of 0.75 metres per second.
In theory, the journey up Angel’s massive 60m long escalator should take a mere one minute and 20 seconds. Angel station, which first opened its doors in 1901, has frequently grappled with overcrowding due to its bustling nature.
In 2007, a man made headlines when he filmed himself attempting to ski down Angel’s escalator to the platforms, as reported by the BBC. The Norwegian daredevil launched himself almost 200ft down the escalators, reaching speeds of around 30 miles per hour.
His video quickly went viral on YouTube, but The London Underground was far from amused. They slammed his reckless behaviour, stating: “This is a dangerous, stupid and irresponsible act that could have resulted in serious injury or death to not only the individual concerned but also other passengers.”
They added: “London Underground will press for the police to take the strongest possible action against anyone attempting a similar act on the Tube network.”
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