The latest stage in Transport for London‘s work to decarbonise its operations by 2030 has been reached with the completion of the installation of LED lighting at Oxford Circus station.

The work was part of Transport for London‘s Corporate Environment Plan, with LEDs using 60 per cent less energy than traditional lighting.

So far, a third of London’s Tube stations have been converted to LED lighting, including Clapham North, Golders Green, and Old Street, whilst plans are in hand to convert other stations including King’s Cross, Bank, Monument, and Westminster in the next few years, and all Tube stations converted to LED lighting by 2032.

Because of the scale and nature of the work, it can only be carried out when stations are closed and power is switched off, which causes problems on a 24/7 operational network, and is further complicated by different sorts of lighting and some heritage stations have special requirements.

Transport for London is converting its depots to LED lighting and utilising smart technology so that the network can be operated in a more energy-efficient manner. Conversion to LED lighting has recently been completed at the depots at Neasden and Ruislip and in the Wheel Lathe Shed at Upminster.

Other work has included converting to LED lighting all 27 tram stops on the London Trams network in south London, which will help to improve customer safety and reduce light pollution in nearby areas.

LED lighting is also being installed in Bakerloo and Central line trains to help reduce their power.

Further information about Transport for London’s efforts to become environmentally sustainable can be seen online at tfl.gov.uk/sustainability

Glynn Barton, interim Chief Operating Officer at TfL, said: “Reducing carbon is a critical part of our work to reduce the impact of public transport on climate change. Upgrading stations to LED lighting not only provides a brighter, more welcoming environment for our customers, but it also helps us reduce maintenance costs and helps make London a greener and more sustainable city for us all.

“The conversion to LEDs is one of many measures we’re taking across our transport network and buildings to help further decarbonise public transport. London leads the way towards achieving net zero and we are committed to doing what we can to ensure our services are the most sustainable way to move around the city.”

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said: “Increasing energy efficiency in London Tube stations reduces the carbon footprint of our transport network. These planned upgrades at Oxford Circus station and other stations will lower our overall energy consumption and make stations brighter and better.

“The Mayor and I will continue to work with TfL towards decarbonising its operations as a crucial part of the Mayor’s mission to make London net zero carbon by 2030 as we build a better, Greener London for all.”