Sadiq Khan torn apart after 'calm space' installed for neurodivergent train passengers: 'Another gimmick!'

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The 'calm space' has been designed to help neurodivergent passengers on their train journeys

Lord Sadiq Khan has been torn apart over his latest "gimmick" on the Transport for London network after installing a "calm space" for passengers.

Speaking to GB News, Leader of the London Conservatives Susan Hall argued that money would be better spent on "making us feel a lot safer" travelling on the TfL network.

The calm space was installed at Ealing Broadway Station on Friday, and is designed to help calm overwhelmed passengers travelling on the network, particularly those who are neurodivergent.

The structure, fitted with a bench and imagery of a forest, is designed to reduce the surrounding noise at the station and offer a space for passengers to return to calm.

The space also features a QR code with a questionnaire attached so passengers can offer feedback on it.

The feedback will then help TfL decide whether they should roll out more calm spaces across the network.

Delivering her verdict on GB News, Ms Hall said: "There's more to worry about. Also, nothing says 'hello, I could be vulnerable' like sitting in this so-called quiet area, so anybody that wants to pick on somebody, I'm afraid I think that would direct them there.

"You've also got rough sleepers, they'd make a bolt for it. One of the TfL staff apparently said that they were waiting for it to be damaged, that's the sad truth of it all as well, isn't it?"

The London Assembly member argued that funding for TfL could be better spent on things such as "CCTV" and tackling fare evaders.

She said: "He should be spending money on stopping fare evasion, because that money could then be put back into the system.

"They should be spending money on making us all feel a lot safer and putting CCTV everywhere on the actual trains themselves, so there's lots of ways to keep us all safe all of the time, and they're not doing that. In my view, it's another gimmick."

Ms Hall warned that if the space attracts any anti-social behaviour, TfL staff will make "no attempt" to intervene.

She told GB News: "The TfL staff are wondering what's going to happen to it, and just supposing it attracts anti-social behaviour, what will the TSL staff do there?

"Because I've seen many a fair dodger that they do not make any attempt to interact with."

Noting concerns for the safety of women and girls on the transport network, host Dawn Neesom recalled Lord Khan's efforts to highlight the issue, using a "drag queen instead of a woman" in his campaign.

Ms Hall responded: "Doesn't that say it all? I mean, Sadiq Khan is not fit for purpose, that's for sure.

"He just does not understand, and I don't think he believes how unsafe so many of us feel on the underground, especially later at night."

In a statement, a Transport for London spokesperson said: "Everyone should be able to travel confidently and independently across London.

"We know that busy environments can sometimes be a barrier for our neurodivergent customers.

"We have measures in place to support anyone who may be sleeping rough on the transport network."