Stop walking on escalators: Hong Kong divided over MTR plea for people to stand still ... but what do you think?

On Hong Kong’s escalators it’s frequently a fight for survival as frantic commuters, tourists laden with shopping and parents with prams jostle to get where they’re going.

And for decades one unspoken rule has governed civilised escalator behaviour, not only in Hong Kong but in many corners of the world. Stand on the right, walk on the left.

But this age-old principle is under threat as Hong Kong MTR chiefs now claim walking on escalators is a safety hazard. In fact, it’s so dangerous, they are warning everyone to stand completely still and hold on to the hand rail. 

Read more: 'Don’t walk. Stand where you like': Japan’s terrible-sounding plan for escalator etiquette

It’s even launched a poster campaign, and has deployed 40 ‘Escalator Safety Ambassadors’ dressed in red t-shirts to advise people on safety. The safety campaign started on August 17.

It follows a similar announcement by transport officials in Japan who recently issued advice calling on escalator users to stand still at all times and – controversially - use both sides of the steps.

“The number of accidents decreased during the campaign period but the practice of keeping one side open is strongly rooted,” a public relations official at East Japan Railway Co explained.