Dear Mayor of London,
I am writing to express serious concern regarding the ongoing works at Southgate Underground Station, which from Monday 5 January until mid-March 2026 will result in the station operating as exit-only.
While I appreciate that maintenance and infrastructure works are necessary, the length of this restriction appears excessive, and the impact on daily commuters has been significant. Southgate is a key station on the Piccadilly line, relied upon by a large residential community for work, education, and essential travel. For over two months, passengers are being required to reroute via Oakwood, Arnos Grove, or Cockfosters using replacement bus services. This adds considerable time, cost, and uncertainty to already long commutes.
It is particularly concerning that no form of fare relief, subsidy, or compensation has been offered to those who must now use alternative stations and additional bus journeys through no fault of their own. Many commuters are effectively paying more — financially and in time — simply to access the same rail service they previously had locally.
I am also struggling to understand why the station cannot operate safely for entry with the stairwell and one operational escalator. Londoners are accustomed to stations functioning with reduced escalator capacity during works. Clear crowd management, timed entry if needed, and staff supervision would seem preferable to effectively closing the station for boarding altogether. Greater transparency on the specific safety or engineering reasons preventing partial operation would be appreciated.
This situation needs urgent review. Residents reasonably expect better mitigation planning and passenger support when such long disruptions are scheduled. I ask that you urgently engage with Transport for London to:
- Reassess whether partial entry operation can be restored safely
- Consider financial mitigation for affected commuters
- Ensure contractors accelerate works where possible and explore completing this project ahead of the scheduled deadline
Extended disruption without adequate alternatives or support undermines confidence in the network and places a disproportionate burden on local communities.
I would appreciate a response explaining the necessity of the current arrangements and what steps will be taken to reduce the impact on passengers.
Yours sincerely,
Councillor Stephanos Ioannou
Southgate Ward – London Borough of Enfield