Platform numbers on station signs

[VideozVideoz]

As a frequent train traveller for both business and leisure, I like to think I have a sharp eye for railway-related items. One thing today has thrown me slightly, or maybe I’m just tired I’ve been on the Cambrian coast and I noticed some station signs had the platform number on them. Is this common or a new thing? In this instance, it looks like a black pool ball! Of course I have seen platform numbers on station lampposts before as a separate sign but not sure about on a station name sign! I’m happy to crawl back into my hole if I’m stating something a bit silly Pics attached for reference

 

[30907]

New or nearly so - I don't recall them a year ago (though I didn't use those two stations) - and possibly unique to TfW?

 

[JaJaWa]

Clapham Junction has them in boxes which is rather confusing as most south London stations use that position to indicate the fare zone!



The Welsh ones are almost identical to the MTR ones here in Hong Kong

 

[CardiffKid]

They’ve appeared at a few Transport for Wales stations recently post ‘referb’

 

[VideozVideoz]

Clapham Junction has them in boxes which is rather confusing as most south London stations use that position to indicate the fare zone!

View attachment 114358

The Welsh ones are almost identical to the MTR ones here in Hong Kong

Haven’t been on the MTR for 10 years so don’t remember!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 May 2022 ==

They’ve appeared at a few Transport for Wales stations recently post ‘referb’

Is this widespread across their network? Have you seen it in south/west wales as well as north? I didn’t spot any on the north wales coast last week

 

[CardiffKid]

Is this widespread across their network? Have you seen it in south/west wales as well as north? I didn’t spot any on the north wales coast last week

Yes a few, not all stations that have been refurbished though.

Some of the platforms at Cardiff Central have them.

 

[pdeaves]

I think the Clapham example is easier for the user as it has the word 'platform'; the Welsh ones are just a number that could be anything (even '1 car stop' marker or something like that if you are unfamiliar).

 

[CardiffKid]

If you’re unfamiliar with the railway then a “1 car stop sign” would mean nothing to you.

I think it’s quite obvious what the numbers mean.

What about the traditional platform signs which hang from the canopy and just read “1” “2” etc, so you think they’re confusing/could be confused for something else?

 

[Western 52]

I think the new TfW signs are a good idea. Seem clear to me and better than just having one or two platform number signs which can be anywhere on the platform and sometimes hidden by other signs. We'll soon get used to the new signs!

 

[Parallel]

I personally find the most clear platform number signage be mounted to lamp posts at a 90 degree angle (facing the platform edge) as it's really easy to see wherever you're standing. This seems a lot less common now than 20 years ago, but still arguaby very much needed if using a two platform station you don't use often.

 

[Peter0124]

Would this count

 

[CardiffKid]

I personally find the most clear platform number signage be mounted to lamp posts at a 90 degree angle (facing the platform edge) as it's really easy to see wherever you're standing. This seems a lot less common now than 20 years ago, but still arguaby very much needed if using a two platform station you don't use often.

TfW stations have both (although they are stylised with a number in a black circle, so not as clear as the BR design)

 

[VideozVideoz]

Would this count

Haha nope! Not in the same vein, I’m afraid :P Nice try though

 

[185]

Disagree. Could give new users the impression it's for line / service number one or some nonsense like that.

Station names belong on station signs & nothing else... no "The Dullvale Line" silliness or pointless "Transport For Dumpshire" logos.

 

[VideozVideoz]

Inconsistency at Cardiff Central. Likely due to the fact there are many other facilities at this station so they’ve used that sign instead of the station name