London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – TfL insiders admit Tube graffiti may aid Sadiq Khan’s push for new trains, prompting concerns he’s ignoring vandalism to bolster funding requests.
As reported by The Telegraph, Transport for London sources say the graffiti outbreak on the Underground is “helpful” for London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s push for new train funding.
What did TfL sources say about Bakerloo Line graffiti?
Insiders claim the poor condition of the Bakerloo line is helping Mr Khan strengthen his case for government funding to secure new trains.
Critics accuse London’s mayor of allowing Tube vandalism to persist because it aligns with his wider political ambitions.
TfL, under Mr Khan’s leadership, said graffiti could be used in strengthening the case for government investment in new trains.
An insider stated,
“In terms of the graffiti, anything that helps make the case for new trains is going to be helpful. We would rather the graffiti weren’t happening. But if this is going to help, we want to replace them and we need money from the Government to do it.”
What did Keith Prince say about Sadiq Khan and Tube graffiti?
City Hall transport spokesman Keith Prince claimed Sadiq Khan has the authority to stop Tube graffiti but is choosing not to act.
He added,
“The idea that graffiti on the Tube is this shockingly bad purely because Starmer won’t give Khan money for the Bakerloo line is just nonsense, and nonsense that Londoners will see right through. Pull the other one, Sadiq, and use your powers as TfL chair to solve this blight.”
Police views on CCTV and graffiti on the Bakerloo Line
According to former police officers, missing CCTV cameras on the Bakerloo and Central lines have led to increased graffiti vandalism.
Graham Wettone, former Metropolitan Police officer, stated,
“The ‘tag’ is the type and style of initials or icon left by the so-called artist and has become in some places an accepted form of ‘modern art.’”
He added,
“The absence of CCTV is likely to be one significant factor because there is less of a deterrent to the offenders.”
Former British Transport Police chief Andrew Trotter said the lack of CCTV hinders catching and charging graffiti culprits.
He added,
“You always want CCTV. I think one of the great things about trains these days is that just about every train, every carriage, every platform is covered. Any time there is an investigation, you know your officers are very good at getting the CCTV and tracking people through the system. So it is a real shame.”
What did Rory Geoghegan say about ending Tube graffiti?
Rory Geoghegan, founder of Public Safety Foundation, said CCTV must be installed on the Bakerloo and Central lines to stop graffiti problems.
He said,
“The mayor and TfL urgently need to get a grip. Secure the depots, clean the trains, retrofit CCTV, and make clear that public space will be protected. Anything less is a failure of leadership.”
What did TfL say about installing CCTV on the Bakerloo Line?
TFL insider said,
“We’re already talking to the Government – and we’ve already said several times – about wanting to replace the trains. So it wouldn’t make a great deal of sense to retrofit CCTV on the Bakerloo Line, just from a financial perspective.”
Due to a shortage of half-century-old trains, TfL’s limited rolling stock means vandalised carriages must keep running, unlike on other routes where they are taken out of service.
TfL’s stance on cleaning and replacing Tube trains
TfL reported removing 3,000 graffiti marks per week from the Bakerloo and Central lines through quick cleaning.
A spokesman stated,
“We previously withdrew trains from service as soon as they had been vandalised, but with reduced availability due to ageing trains, this isn’t always possible without impacting services.”
They added,
“This is why we are working to secure investment in the Tube network, to replace and upgrade trains and ensure we can deliver the world-class transport network that Londoners and visitors deserve and expect.”
Types of graffiti
Graffiti marks are drawings, writings, or symbols put on public places like walls, trains, or bridges without permission.
- Tags: Simple names or signatures. These are the most common on London Tube trains.
- Throw-ups: Bubble-shaped letters that are quick to make.
- Murals/street art: Big, artistic paintings like those by Banksy. Sometimes, these are officially allowed.