A change in byelaws means guide dogs will be allowed to use London Underground escalators for the first time from October 5th.
At present it is prohibited for guide dogs to travel on escalators, a rule which dates back to the days of wooden escalators and fears the dogs could get their paws caught.
The prohibition makes it harder for visually impaired passengers to access platforms.
Although Tube staff will often provide assistance to visually impaired passengers, including by stopping escalators where possible, the official line is that this may not be possible “at busy times” in case it causes overcrowding.
Mayor Boris Johnson, who chairs Transport for London, has faced repeated calls to reverse the ban.
In March Johnson told Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon he would ensure a review of the byelaw was completed “as quickly as possible”.
Last week Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy advised the TfL board that new TfL Railway Byelaws confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport would “remove the requirement to carry trained assistance or police dogs on escalators.”
The new byelaws also formalise the Mayor’s alcohol ban.
In a written answer to Pidgeon, Johnson said “I very much welcome this change, which Transport for London has championed.”
