The London Daily News

Transport for London and contractors have been accused of slashing safety standards to "dangerous levels" by tube unions.

According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, twice weekly inspections of escalators will be cut to once a week and the 12 week frequency of signal maintenance on the Jubilee Line will be cut to a 16 week cycle.

TfL said it was just "more irresponsible scaremongering" by the RMT.

Tube Lines have apparently requested a reduction in escalator inspections and are consulting with London Fire Brigade, but no decision has been made.

Changes on signaling were "small" and would "not effect safety" according to Tube bosses.

Two weeks ago concerns where raised over fewer track inspections on the Jubilee Line extension.

Mayor's intervention "demanded"

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:

"We are demanding the intervention of TfL Chair Boris Johnson to reverse the safety and maintenance cuts programme which is leaking out in dribs and drabs from Tube Lines."

In October Mayor Boris Johnson announced TfL would cut £5bn from its budgets, without hitting passengers and front line services.

The TfL spokesperson added:

"We would never compromise safety and we have instructed Tube Lines to monitor its new inspection regime for the next year."

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