Platform safety lines would help to reduce dangers

Gareth Dennis’s Analysis ( RAIL 866) provided a thought-provoking survey of the dangers around the platform/train interface.

One issue not mentioned is in defining clearly where the interface gap actually is. Making stepping distances acceptable is obviously paramount, but if that gap (of whatever distance) is not visible then danger exists.

The lack of consistent white lining of platform edges on many platforms is surely creating such a danger. I have been advised that Network Rail only mandates white lining where line speed is 90mph or more. If correct, that only goes to show it doesn’t realise that a person hitting a train moving at any speed is going to come off worse.

The interface is primarily a danger when the train is stationary. While a white line will not stop someone inadvertently stepping over it when no train is stationary alongside, it will greatly assist those with poor eyesight, co-ordination problems and the like, when legitimately stepping on or off the train.