Call for Action After Rise in Graffiti on Central Line
Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz asks TfL to tackle the issue
Grafitti on a Central line tube carriage. Picture: Bassam Mahfouz
April 29, 2025
The London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon is calling for action on a recent rise in graffiti on the Central Line.
Bassam Mahfouz AM has written to Transport for London (TFL) about the issue which he says undermines the quality and safety of London’s public transport.
TfL has confirmed his assessment that there has been a noticeable increase in graffiti incidents on Central Line trains in recent months.
While the cause of the spike remains unclear, TfL says it has introduced additional teams to address the problem and ensure graffiti is removed as quickly as possible.
It adds that cleaning teams are working alongside contractors to restore trains to acceptable standards, with TfL encouraging passengers to report any sightings to support swift removal.
Mr Mahfouz is seeking clarification on whether these incidents represent a targeted campaign, asking for details of the clean-up contract including the service-level agreement in place.
He says, “The recent surge in graffiti on Central line trains is concerning and costly. Londoners have become used to, and deserve, a clean, safe, and reliable transport network, yet these vandalised carriages are an affront to the eye and leave passengers feeling less safe.
“The Central line is clearly being targeted. It’s costing Londoners in clean-up cost and pride in our city.
“I welcome TfL’s recognition of the problem and their commitment of additional resources to tackle this blight. But the only way to really address such a scourge is to adopt a zero-tolerance strategy to stamp out graffiti for good. Only then can we restore the Central line to the standard passengers expect and ensure London’s transport system remains a source of pride, not frustration.”
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