A woman from London has appeared in court, accused of the unusual offence of walking the 'wrong way' on a Transport for London (TfL) escalator. Michaela Copeland, 32, pleaded not guilty to the charge at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Friday.
The Alleged Escalator Breach
The incident is said to have occurred on the TfL regional railway network in Greenwich on Thursday. According to the charge, Ms Copeland 'used or attempted to use an escalator other than by standing or walking on it in the direction intended for travel'. It remains unclear whether she allegedly attempted to go up a down escalator or down an up escalator.
Ms Copeland, who is from Bermondsey in south-east London, was pictured outside the court using crutches. Her trial, which is estimated to last around three hours, has been scheduled for April.
Understanding the Railway Byelaws
The charge stems from specific railway byelaws designed for passenger safety and orderly station operation. Under the heading 'equipment and safety', the byelaw states: 'No person shall use any escalator except by standing or walking on it in the direction intended for travel.'
Breaching this byelaw is a prosecutable offence, with those found guilty facing a potential fine of up to £1,000. The byelaws also forbid other actions that disrupt station flow, including:
- Using a station entrance as an exit, and vice versa.
- Stopping automatic doors from closing, except in an emergency.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
By pleading not guilty, Ms Copeland has opted to contest the charge in court. The upcoming trial will determine whether the alleged breach of the railway byelaw is proven. A conviction could result in a significant financial penalty, highlighting the seriousness with which TfL and the courts treat such infractions.
This case brings attention to the lesser-known rules governing behaviour on London's transport network, reminding passengers that safety regulations are strictly enforced.
