Anti-begging Tube announcements ‘encourage rich commuters to shun the homeless’

TUBE announcements urging people not to give to beggars encourages rich commuters to shun the homeless, it’s been claimed.

The messages broadcast by Transport for London warn passengers about “beggars and buskers operating” on trains and says “do not encourage their presence by supporting them”.

But Georgia Elander has claimed the language used stigmatises the homeless and has begun a petition urging Tfl to end the announcement.

“I honestly can’t imagine how it feels to not only be in the horrific position of having nowhere to call home, but also to feel that so many people around you see you as a nuisance or a threat.

“I think the language of the announcements is really stigmatising,” the 23-year-old told metro.co.uk.

“For example, using the word ‘operate’ is the same kind of language you’d use to talk about thieves or scammers.

“It really encourages the attitude that if we stop giving money to people begging, they’ll go away – when obviously the only real way to tackle the problem is to end poverty and deprivation.”

Official figures show there are 1,137 rough sleepers in London, the highest number in the UK.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Compliance and Policing, said announcements are being changed encouraging people to homeless charities instead.

“By donating to the London Charities Homeless Group, people can directly help fund homeless services and help vulnerable people off the street and get them the support they need,” she explained.

Tfl has a dedicated outreach team for our transport network to help homeless people who use night buses and tubes as a place to sleep, she said.

They are part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s efforts to help connect rough sleepers with services in the capital.

The team help many vulnerable people find accommodation, access to support services and reconnected them with family and friends.

“In addition to this, we are working with local boroughs, station staff and outreach to direct help to those who need it most,” said Hayward.

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