Queue chaos over station entrance trial

London travel chiefs have apologised after a 10-day station entrance switch sparked long queues for commuters.

A 10-day trial by operators Arriva Rail London for a one-way entry at Brockley station – intended to end crowding on platforms – continues this week and will be assessed by Transport for London (TfL) once it ends.

But its first few days, starting on February 5, were marred by route cancellations which left lines of commuters winding outside the station.

Traveller Russell Nash tweeted: “It is terrible. Almost as bad as those bus announcements. Even the lovely staff there can’t help. Sort it aht.”

Another, Laura Cuch, said: “One-way system in Brockley station doesn’t fix a problem, which didn’t exist.

“It increases commuting time, adds stress/frustration and makes the station inaccessible. @tfl, @LDNOverground please stop the trial – wrong way to go!”

And Daniel Hugill said: “I understand that this silly re-routing exercise at Brockley station is a trial. Are you seeking customer feedback, and how?

“In last five minutes two people left via the station, while 100+ navigating diversion.”

TfL said on the first days of the trial, train cancellations had worsened the situation.

A TfL spokesman said: “We’re very sorry that the changes being trialled at Brockley station have confused some of our customers.

“The 10-day trial is intended to prevent crowding on the northbound platform during the morning peak, and therefore improve safety for everyone.

“We are monitoring the trial closely and will of course be taking into account customer feedback as we assess the results.”