Euston station’s giant advertising screens have been switched off by Network Rail as the body faces strong criticism for its mis-management of one of London’s major rail hubs.

Installed in January, in place of the station’s original main departure and arrival boards, the oversized digital displays have been cited as one of the reasons for the dangerous levels of overcrowding increasingly seen on Euston’s main concourse.

Since being replaced by the new digital advert billboards, departure information is now only available via smaller displays placed right in the centre of Euston’s concourse, leading to a large convergence of crowds.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh called for urgent action this week, after London TravelWatch warned that passengers were being put at very real risk from the high levels of overcrowding.

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“For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers. That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers,” Haigh said.

“This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.

“We know Euston needs a permanent solution and are working hard to agree this – but these immediate steps will help to alleviate some of the issues the station has been facing.”

Network Rail and the Department for Transport will now action a five-point plan to overhaul the station, which will include shutting down the overhead advertising displays, reviewing boarding announcements and adding more concourse space.

This will be further supported by the unification of station operations during disruption and an effort to increase the reliability of trains coming through Euston.