A plan to close London Underground ticket offices by 2015 with the loss of 750 jobs has been branded “reckless”.

Transport for London today announced the plans, which also include providing a 24-hour service at weekends on some lines.

It said ticket offices are used for just 3 per cent of journeys and the move would save £270million.
Staff would also be placed elsewhere in stations to help the public.

But Leyton and Wanstead MP John Cryer accused London mayor Boris Johnson of a policy u-turn.
He said: “The Mayor has today ripped up his manifesto promise to the people of London.

“His plans are reckless and irresponsible.”

Mr Cryer also warned there may not be enough staff to cope in emergency situations.

Jennette Arnold, London Assembly Member for Waltham Forest, said she feared residents of outer London would be hit the hardest by the closures.

She said: “These plans are deeply worrying and could lead to a significant reduction in the service Londoners receive in our great city,” she said.

“We need to make sure there are enough staff on duty to keep our stations safe, help passengers and deal with emergencies.

“We must protect standards of service and passenger safety.”

Boris Johnson said it was time to take the Tube to "the next level".

A 24-hour service from Autumn 2015 is planned for the Piccadilly, Victoria, Central, Jubilee and Northern lines.

Six ‘gateway’ stations, Euston, Heathrow, King’s Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Victoria, will remain as the only places where a ticket can be bought over the counter.

At London’s smallest 125 stations, a supervisor will be responsible for six nearby stations.