TfL tells Crystal Palace visitors to get lost

Andy Smith nominates Transport for London for an NSS (the phrase begins with "no" and ends with "Sherlock") "in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the science of deductive reasoning".

Having searched on TfL's journey planner for the route to Crystal Palace town centre South London, he was surprised to be given a route via Berkhamsted Station, 34.3 miles away.

TfL claimed a seven-minute walk from the station to his destination, whereas Google Maps estimates the stroll to be 11 hours 32 minutes, taking in the picturesque A5.

Andy politely pointed out the error to TfL so it could correct its database.

"It would be best for one to search for Crystal Palace as a station rather than a place of interest, and follow directions from Crystal Palace station," TfL replied.

Really? He hadn't thought of that. By the way, all is not lost if you do follow TfL's direction: you end up in Berkhamsted's Crystal Palace pub, which looks a lot more pleasant than most of South London.