TfL has apologised after a “disastrous” new trial crowd management system at Brockley led to hundreds of people queuing outside the station.

A one-way system was introduced on Monday (February 5) where people could only enter through one of the station entrances and exit through the ticket hall.

Since it has been introduced, morning commuters have spilled out of the station and onto the streets in morning rush hours as they try to catch their morning train.

The initiative was taken by Arriva Rail London, who operate London Overground for TfL, to try prevent crowding on the platform.

TfL said on the first two days of the trial, some unrelated train cancellations intensified how busy the station was during morning peak, but apologised the new rules had “confused” commuters.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry that the changes being trialled at Brockley station have confused some of our customers.

“The ten day trial is intended to prevent crowding on the northbound platform during the morning peak, and therefore improve safety for everyone.

“We are monitoring the trial closely and will of course be taking into account customer feedback as we assess the results.”

Criticisms of the new system include that it is unsafe for people with limited mobility or people with prams and the unsafe environment due to overcrowding with people rushing to get onto the train.

Lee Greenwood wrote: “Clearly innovative approaches can’t please everyone but I urge you to send a member of your trusted team to Brockley to see this disastrous desk-based exercise first-hand and take the findings back to the drawing board.”

Stuart Binns-Frame wrote: “Station been there for years with no problems. Now some moron thinks that they are clever and hey presto.”