Vinyl decals introduced to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics at new stations
Transport for London (TfL) has spent more than £30,000 installing decorative vinyl stickers across Elizabeth line stations in an effort to mask unsightly “ghost marks” that had appeared on platform walls behind seating areas.
The newly added decals, inspired by the familiar moquette patterns found across London’s transport network, were introduced last month to enhance cleanliness and improve the visual appeal of station platforms.
According to TfL, these coverings aim to reduce the build-up of dirt and grime behind benches and offer protection against further wall discolouration caused by frequent contact.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, TfL confirmed that the overall cost for the survey, production, and installation of the stickers totalled £30,920, excluding VAT. The coverings have been applied to 80 benches across the central section of the Elizabeth line.
The decals are made from a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean vinyl material, selected specifically for its durability and suitability for use in high-traffic public spaces.
The ‘ghost marks’ had become visible as grey patches where passengers had repeatedly leaned back against the pristine white platform walls.
A TfL FoI case officer explained: “The effectiveness and durability of the coverings will be assessed over the next 6–12 months.”
They further added: “The material was selected based on technical specifications and a prior short-term trial conducted on four seats at Liverpool Street in December 2023, evaluating its cleaning performance and adhesion to platform walls.”
The issue of ‘ghost marks’ had previously been brought to public attention by Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon. In January 2023, she questioned the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, regarding the regularity of cleaning efforts for these wall patches.
Responding to the concern, the Mayor stated: “A rigorous cleaning programme is maintained at all of Transport for London’s stations to ensure a clean and safe environment for customers.”
He added: “However, TfL is exploring new ways to clean the walls behind seating at some of its Elizabeth line stations to try to remove any marks and protect the walls in future.
TfL is also trialling the installation of vinyl coverings behind the seating area and is in the process of evaluating the results.”
The move to implement the vinyl stickers reflects TfL’s ongoing efforts to maintain cleanliness and passenger experience across its network, particularly in the newly introduced Elizabeth line — one of the capital’s most significant recent transport developments.
For more on upcoming changes and disruptions involving Transport for London, read about the planned upgrade and traffic impact on Nine Elms Lane in 2025.
