At last, a Tube seat for mothers-to-be

Chivalry was given a much needed shove on the Tube today. A badge to be worn by mothers-to-be and designed to encourage commuters to give up their seat without being asked went on trial.

The round white badge displays the words "Baby on Board" above a picture of the Tube roundel and, if the trial is successful, will be offered to all pregnant women. London Underground says the idea is to identify pregnant women as well as giving them the confidence to ask for a seat.

The move follows the case of mainline rail commuter Janice Norman, who lost her baby last year after she was accidentally struck in the stomach by a young man pushing past.

The tragedy, which would never have happened had Ms Norman been sitting, was highlighted by the Evening Standard.

LU spokeswoman Elizabeth Morris said: "It is sad but true that passengers who need to sit down feel they cannot ask fellow passengers for a seat. We want to find out if pregnant women will find these empowering, encouraging them to ask for the seat they need."

Research shows that most Londoners agree that pregnant women should be offered a seat - but also that men are afraid to act on their chivalrous instincts in case they give offence.