With breathtaking condescension, London’s tube bosses have this week come out with a leaflet, Tube Tips For Women, which aims to help women travelling on the London Underground.

From the pictures of lipsticks on the leaflet’s cover to the advice any street-savy tweenie would know, the publication harks back to something you’d expect from the 1950s rather than 2005. Here are some examples of their sage advice.

1. Changing into trainers is a good idea if you know you’ve got a bit of a walk between trains or after you reach your destination. The most common injuries are to fingers and toes, especially when wearing open-toed shoes, sandals or stilettos.
2. Even with all the people who use the Tube, accidents and injuries are rare, and most could easily be avoided. Things like twisted ankles can be a real pain, so mind your step on the escalators – especially if you’re wearing your party shoes.
3. A surprising number of people faint during the morning rush hour, which can lead to knock-on delays, so try to make time for breakfast. A cereal bar does the trick and fits into the
tiniest handbag.

A glance at London Underground's website reveals that just 6% of the company's tube drivers are women - an imbalance they're hoping to address. But how will women drive the tubes with high heels on? And surely they'd be at risk of breaking a nail?!

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