The invention relates to a passenger conveyor, such as an escalator or autowalk, comprising a band of conveying elements; a diverting wheel for diverting the passage of the band of conveying elements and/or a traction member thereof and a brake for braking rotation of the diverting wheel. The brake comprises a screw member having a conical threaded external rim; a nut member having a conical threaded internal rim, the screw member and nut member being screwed together, one of said screw member and nut member being connected with the diverting wheel for being driven by the diverting wheel. The brake further comprises a stopping device for stopping rotation of the other of said screw member and nut member.