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Title: Just how big is the gap to mind? Post by: grahame on May 03, 2024, 09:21:28 From the BBC - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckv7kge48z4o - (does this link work in the UK? - I am in Spain)
Quote The announcement "mind the gap" is almost as much a part of travelling in London as the Tube sign or a red bus. But when is the gap between the train and the platform too far and too dangerous? Eric Loach thinks he has the answer to that, and it is 30cm, or 12 inches. He knows this because while lying on the platform in agony having fallen over while getting off a train, he had time to look at the vertical drop between the train and the platform. In February, at Ealing Broadway station in west London, he stepped off an Elizabeth line train onto the platform. Such was the force from the drop, that he broke a bone in his foot. He collapsed on the platform. Eric, who also suffered bruising to his right knee, says the gap is not acceptable: "It's a 12-inch gap. Mums with buggies, people with heavy luggage, elderly people, of course it's not acceptable. "It's a scandal, someone will be seriously injured or die. It's a death trap." [article continues] I have over recent weeks seen lots of gaps ranging from flat access with the train virtually touching the platform though to some where you have to haul yourself up multiple steep steps and where at the bigger stations the railway provides the equivalent of cherry pickers to lift wheelchairs onto trains. And just the other day, a lady looking to leave the Cardiff - Portsmouth service at Southampton had booked assistance to span the gap with her walker. Title: Re: Just how big is the gap to mind? Post by: bobm on May 03, 2024, 10:14:37 I have travelled on a number London Buses over the past few days and was surprised at the varying gaps when alighting. Some were caused by adjacent vehicles making it difficult for the driver to get close to the kerb. However on other occasions it seemed they didn't want to get near to the pavement. The worst is where the doors open and there is a gap which isn't big enough to step into (unless you go sideways) but large enough to give you a jolt when you step over it - particularly if there is a difference in height.
The level access on the Elizabeth line spoils us! Title: Re: Just how big is the gap to mind? Post by: Red Squirrel on May 03, 2024, 11:18:17 The gap at Montpleier is big enough to lose a medium-sized elephant:
(https://bristolrailcampaign.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mind-the-yawning-chasm.jpg) Title: Re: Just how big is the gap to mind? Post by: Mark A on May 03, 2024, 15:17:10 ... aand that's why elephants, when near Montpelier Station, proceeded in line ahead formation and held each other's tails, as shown in this photo kindly recirculated on Twitter by no less than the Gallimaufry pub.
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