The decision to halt free book exchanges at London Underground stations due to safety concerns has sparked criticism, particularly from former fire chief Steve Dudeney. He argues that the benefits of these mini-libraries outweigh their potential fire risks, labeling the ban as "overkill." Transport for London mentioned they may explore the reintroduction of the exchanges. Commuters, including Tian, expressed disappointment while noting the inconsistency with the presence of free newspapers in the stations. The article highlights a tension between safety regulations and community benefits, suggesting a need for balanced risk assessments.
"Bearing in mind those regulations have been in place for 16 years and there hasn't been a fire I think it's a ridiculous application. It's overkill."
"It's disappointing for local residents. It just felt very sudden and it wasn't really clear why it was a fire safety issue."
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