Underground staff may be reminded of rules about political neutrality after a series of cheeky election messages appeared on station information boards, some of which appear to back the Labour party.
The boards, which are supposed to be reserved for service updates, have been used by staff to give their thoughts on the election.
The messages have so far stopped short of overtly endorsing any particular political party, though some have come close. A message at Oval station urged commuters to protect services.
The RMT union, which backs the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, insisted it was not behind the messages, including one that urged voters to put their country before themselves.
The RMT spokesman Geoff Martin said: “We don’t get involved. They just seem to emerge.”
Thursday 7th May "Revised " Thought Of The Day pic.twitter.com/zGkIUtyahx
— Oval Tube Station (@Oval_station) May 7, 2015
As seen on the tube today #ElectionDayPickupLines @BBCBreaking @BBC #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/xvDEvqI6Na
— ThePartySet (@thepartyset) May 7, 2015
A Transport for London spokesman said station staff may receive a reminder of the rules about political neutrality on polling day even if they came close to being breached.
“Most staff do tend to know the rules. If there are any signs that do appear to be close to the mark, stations may be given a reminder of the rules,” he said.
He added that TFL was relaxed about notices urging people to use their vote as long as they did not back any particular party.
“The wipe boards are there for station staff to communicate to customers, usually travel advice, but it can be thoughts for the day. They are for staff to use at their own discretion. They shouldn’t be used to come out in support of a particular political party – that can’t be done. But urging people to vote is OK.”
He said “witty” thoughts for the day were also acceptable.
One customer information board at Angel station urged voters to beware of all politicians.
Tube station, Angel, Islington. The Americanisation of British political discourse continues pic.twitter.com/LZ2vojxqaR
— Robert Booth (@Robert_Booth) May 7, 2015
Another, endorsed by the shadow justice secretary, Sadiq Khan, repeated the slogan of Tooting’s soap opera revolutionary Citizen Smith.
Power to the people! Don't forget to #UseYourVote today #Tooting - polls are open until 10pm pic.twitter.com/IuTl0edEoJ
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 7, 2015
Other signs were more neutral or cryptic.
Good old Leyton tube #leyton #GE2015 @TfL pic.twitter.com/HjFH3a55JZ
— Jude Rogers (@juderogers) May 7, 2015
Sound advice from the staff at Kensal Green station pic.twitter.com/HP4KrMHzYP
— AstuteMarketeers (@astutemarketeer) May 7, 2015
