Frosted Glass on Station Footbridges

[Sad Sprinter]

I've noticed SWR has started a particularly annoying trend of frosting out the glass of footbridges on certain stations - Putney and Clapham Junction I've noticed so far. Is there a reason for this? I can only imagine it must be to stop people from noticing the train is in the platform or just arriving and running for it and causing a safety issue. Or perhaps the powers at be believe our postmodernist world has no desire for things like looking out of windows... Either way, its a shame because the view from the footbridge at Clapham Junction really is spectacular, and if youre late for your Windsor Line train, seeing how close it is to the platform gives you a chance to still run and catch it.

Is this an SWR thing or are all stations doing this now? What's the reason for it?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I've noticed SWR has started a particularly annoying trend of frosting out the glass of footbridges on certain stations - Putney and Clapham Junction I've noticed so far. Is there a reason for this? I can only imagine it must be to stop people from noticing the train is in the platform or just arriving and running for it and causing a safety issue. Or perhaps the powers at be believe our postmodernist world has no desire for things like looking out of windows... Either way, its a shame because the view from the footbridge at Clapham Junction really is spectacular, and if youre late for your Windsor Line train, seeing how close it is to the platform gives you a chance to still run and catch it.

Is this an SWR thing or are all stations doing this now? What's the reason for it?

It's done at East Croydon and I'm almost certain it is indeed to stop people seeing their train and running for it.

 

[fgwrich]

Slightly less cynically, isn’t it to do with reducing the brightness of the sunlight through the windows and diffusing the light a little? The bridge / transfer deck at Reading used to have full height glass windows, but each sunrise / sunset the brightness and glare was so strong you’d be blinded by the sunlight which also made Reading the PIS screens somewhat difficult.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

It's done at East Croydon and I'm almost certain it is indeed to stop people seeing their train and running for it.

Good job people don't have homes and places of work to go to.

 

[stuving]

There is another reason: where the suicide risk is seen to be high due to trains running through non-stop at predictable times. It is only likely to be done for a station large enough that part would be kept operating for passengers. Whether that applies in the above cases I don't know, but it does explain the stick-on diffuser film being applied at Reading in December 2019, when a timetable change introduced regular non-stop trains, and shielding the platfors lines they use.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Good job people don't have homes and places of work to go to.

People won't get to those places if they run and cause an accident. That's why running is discouraged.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Sep 2023 ==

There is another reason: where the suicide risk is seen to be high due to trains running through non-stop at predictable times. It is only likely to be done for a station large enough that part would be kept operating for passengers. Whether that applies in the above cases I don't know, but it does explain the stick-on diffuser film being applied at Reading in December 2019, when a timetable change introduced regular non-stop trains, and shielding the platfors lines they use.

Thanks. Makes sense for Reading, perhaps less so for East Croydon as the only services that don't stop are the half-hourly GatEx and people are unlikely to research that before deciding to do something bad.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

People won't get to those places if they run and cause an accident. That's why running is discouraged.

OK, I'm not a libertarian by any means, and would describe myself as some sort of a social-democrat, but I think at some point people need to take responsibility for their own safety, otherwise the railway will be going to the nth degree to prevent any possible accident from happening. At which point, what's the point of having a railway with speeding, several-hundred ton missiles hurtling around the place that could do all sorts of damage?

Honestly, I just want to go home, I want to go to work so I can continue earning money and continue living, I want to be able to make the train so I don't waste my money on the advance ticket I brought for that specific service. Just let people live their lives.

 

[Bletchleyite]

OK, I'm not a libertarian by any means, and would describe myself as some sort of a social-democrat, but I think at some point people need to take responsibility for their own safety, otherwise the railway will be going to the nth degree to prevent any possible accident from happening. At which point, what's the point of having a railway with speeding, several-hundred ton missiles hurtling around the place that could do all sorts of damage?

Honestly, I just want to go home, I want to go to work so I can continue earning money and continue living, I want to be able to make the train so I don't waste my money on the advance ticket I brought for that specific service. Just let people live their lives.

People can live their lives up to the point they negatively impact on the lives of others. Attempting to run in a crowded station puts others at risk. That's not OK.

It's only light discouragement, anyway. If you want to use Realtime Trains to see where your train is nothing's stopping you.

In any case at East Croydon near enough nobody will be on an Advance. Like the way people run for the Tube when another's along in 2 minutes, it's just a natural level of impatience, which these passive measures lightly discourage.

Yes, it's a shame if it means people can't usefully watch trains from the bridge, but watching trains isn't the purpose of a railway station and there are plenty of places you can do it. I similarly think it's a shame some bridges have very high parapets so you can't see the trains, but it's usually an anti-suicide measure so respect why it's necessary.

 

[yorksrob]

Yes, this has been done at Leeds and Wakefield Westgate too. I knew there would be some half-baked "elf'n'safety" b******s behind it.

 

[Dr Hoo]

People can live their lives up to the point they negatively impact on the lives of others. Attempting to run in a crowded station puts others at risk. That's not OK.

It's only light discouragement, anyway. If you want to use Realtime Trains to see where your train is nothing's stopping you.

Exactly. As a former Station Manager I deplore running on stations. Places like the East Croydon ramps used to be terrible. I've seen a passenger barged into the 'buffer pit' at St Pancras by some charging idiot shoving past.

The sad thing is that people glued to their phones (for Realtime Trains or whatever) are now even more of a menace.

I think at some point people need to take responsibility for their own safety, otherwise the railway will be going to the nth degree to prevent any possible accident from happening.

Well, we've been waiting since William Huskisson's mishap in 1830 and it ain't happened yet. Meanwhile we take precautions on their behalf.

 

[northernbelle]

There is another reason: where the suicide risk is seen to be high due to trains running through non-stop at predictable times. It is only likely to be done for a station large enough that part would be kept operating for passengers. Whether that applies in the above cases I don't know, but it does explain the stick-on diffuser film being applied at Reading in December 2019, when a timetable change introduced regular non-stop trains, and shielding the platfors lines they use.

Indeed. Reading was indeed done in anticipation of regular non-stop high speed trains passing through from Dec 19.

 

[yorksrob]

Exactly. As a former Station Manager I deplore running on stations. Places like the East Croydon ramps used to be terrible. I've seen a passenger barged into the 'buffer pit' at St Pancras by some charging idiot shoving past.

The sad thing is that people glued to their phones (for Realtime Trains or whatever) are now even more of a menace.


Well, we've been waiting since William Huskisson's mishap in 1830 and it ain't happened yet. Meanwhile we take precautions on their behalf.

The question is, why is it assumed that someone is more likely to run for their train just because they can see it from a footbridge ?

If they know the train is due to leave in two minutes, they'll probably leggit anyway. If they can see it leave before they get there, they're more likely to stop !

 

[Bletchleyite]

The sad thing is that people glued to their phones (for Realtime Trains or whatever) are now even more of a menace.

Mobile phone zombies are a menace in more places than railway stations!

Being a big bloke I take great pleasure in walking straight towards them and watching the reaction on their face as they see me looming at the last second.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Sep 2023 ==

The question is, why is it assumed that someone is more likely to run for their train just because they can see it from a footbridge ?

Because most people on high frequency metro style routes (most of what runs from East Croydon), unlike people here, just randomly show up to the station, and if they see a train with their destination on the front will jsut run for it.

 

[DarloRich]

Yes, this has been done at Leeds and Wakefield Westgate too. I knew there would be some half-baked "elf'n'safety" b******s behind it.

at Wakefield I THINK the (ahem) "elf'n'safety" b******s" was to stop glinting upsetting the train drivers vision. It is only partial and on one side

( that might be good old fashion b******s but just passing on what I was told when I enquired of an LNER guy at the station)

 

[yorksrob]

at Wakefield I THINK the (ahem) "elf'n'safety" b******s" was to stop glinting upsetting the train drivers vision. It is only partial and on one side

( that might be good old fashion b******s but just passing on what I was told when I enquired)

That may be a fair point. That said, something like shaded glass which still enabled being able to see through would be better. I used to find it quite useful to be able to see down the line if my train was approaching.

 

[DarloRich]

That may be a fair point. That said, something like shaded glass which still enabled being able to see through would be better. I used to find it quite useful to be able to see down the line if my train was approaching.

agreed - that is why I asked about it ( could have all been a jolly jape on the staff part mind!)

 

[Hadders]

Stevenage station had this installed a couple of years ago when the station was 'refreshed'. It's since been removed.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

It's done at East Croydon and I'm almost certain it is indeed to stop people seeing their train and running for it.

I've used East Croydon for about 40 years and I've seen more people running since the frosting was installed than I ever did before it... If they can't see if there's a train in or not they'll run in case there is...

 

[RichJF]

I've used East Croydon for about 40 years and I've seen more people running since the frosting was installed than I ever did before it... If they can't see if there's a train in or not they'll run in case there is...

Used to commute to school via East Croydon from 2000 & used to commute through it for work. Still use it occasionally. People have always run there & always will. A little bit of frosting hasnt stopped anything in my experience.

People used to run up/down the subway as well. Now they run across the slippery deathtrap of the footbridge.

 

[RichA]

Stroud footbridge has been like this for years, it’s a typical GWR design bridge with the addition of frosted glass panels, you can’t see anything in either direction.

 

[Railcar]

Used to commute to school via East Croydon from 2000 & used to commute through it for work. Still use it occasionally. People have always run there & always will. A little bit of frosting hasnt stopped anything in my experience.

People used to run up/down the subway as well. Now they run across the slippery deathtrap of the footbridge.

When coming down the ramps at East Croydon, there is a point where the train in Platforms 1 and 3 can be seen with its orange 'doors available' lights on. That's when the running starts.

 

[yorksrob]

I sincerely hope that this dreadful idea is consigned to the cess-pool of history where it belongs as soon as possible.

 

[JaJaWa]

The bridge at Luton Airport Parkway was stickered over for "safety reasons" yet I believe the second (new) one is clear glass!

 

[Bald Rick]

It's done at East Croydon and I'm almost certain it is indeed to stop people seeing their train and running for it.

correct. And the injury rate on the station reduced significantly immediately after installation.

Honestly, I just want to go home, I want to go to work so I can continue earning money and continue living, I want to be able to make the train so I don't waste my money on the advance ticket I brought for that specific service. Just let people live their lives.

I agree. Hence I make sure exactly what t8me my train is due to arrive, and make sure I am on the platform 30 seconds beforehand. Simple.

The question is, why is it assumed that someone is more likely to run for their train just because they can see it from a footbridge ?

no need to assume. It happens, and is proven.

 

[Peter Sarf]

Mobile phone zombies are a menace in more places than railway stations!

Being a big bloke I take great pleasure in walking straight towards them and watching the reaction on their face as they see me looming at the last second.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Sep 2023 ==



Because most people on high frequency metro style routes (most of what runs from East Croydon), unlike people here, just randomly show up to the station, and if they see a train with their destination on the front will jsut run for it.

Thats me . Number of times I wait to get told by the surprised mobile user - why don't you look where your going and my answer will be "and you saw me ?". Sometimes I get stuck behind them moving slowly - no wait that's when I am driving no wait that's when I am walking as well.

As for the turn up and go metro service. I always try to look at the departure screens above the ticket office windows while aiming for a vacant gate. I know when to rush if travelling towards London because Victoria trains (377s) dont make the same noise as Farringdon (etc) trains (700s). But I am careful not to run into crowds.

I've used East Croydon for about 40 years and I've seen more people running since the frosting was installed than I ever did before it... If they can't see if there's a train in or not they'll run in case there is...

I have noticed people running down the ramp and then stopping near the bottom - might be when they can see its not the train they want. Indeed now they cannot even tell if the train is on the platform they are running down to.

But over the years I have seen some utter barge masters. I think the ramps at East Croydon are amazingly long and so running is very tempting for many as a lot of time is there to be saved. I hope when East Croydon gets replaced that there are steps down to the platforms with ramps to nearer the middle (where the disabled coach on 700s is) would be ideal. But I fear the trek to the trains will be further as the newer platforms seem to be further North and so even further away from the Trams and Busses.

 

[yorksrob]

I agree. Hence I make sure exactly what t8me my train is due to arrive, and make sure I am on the platform 30 seconds beforehand. Simple.



no need to assume. It happens, and is proven.

If only we all lived in a world where our bus/train connections weren't late or just badly timed to begin with.

I still think its a terrible idea.

 

[Peter Sarf]

If only we all lived in a world where our bus/train connections weren't late or just badly timed to begin with.

I still think its a terrible idea.

Most of the time I just think if I miss it I miss it. It is a nuisance when the first section of the journey is delayed (119 busses I am looking at you). It gets nasty when its a ticket for a particular train - but then when did I last bother committing to a long train journey = before the strikes.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Mobile phone zombies are a menace in more places than railway stations!

Being a big bloke I take great pleasure in walking straight towards them and watching the reaction on their face as they see me looming.

Ah, I'm not alone in doing that! It's amazing how close the absorbed phone-slaves get to me (6 foot 6) and my German Shepherd (40kg of energetic fur) before noticing us and then frantically trying to move aside from their inattentive pavement-hogging...

 

[yorksrob]

Most of the time I just think if I miss it I miss it. It is a nuisance when the first section of the journey is delayed (119 busses I am looking at you). It gets nasty when its a ticket for a particular train - but then when did I last bother committing to a long train journey = before the strikes.

Unfortunately up here its often a tight connection to an hourly/two hourly or last train, particularly since the covid cuts.

 

[Doctor Fegg]

If only we all lived in a world where our bus/train connections weren't late or just badly timed to begin with.

I still think its a terrible idea.

Indeed. Oxford station footbridge used to have an admonishment sticker on every other step, reading

CAUTION

DO NOT RUN

I always wanted to add a couple of extra lines to make it read

CAUTION
FIRST GREAT WESTERN
DO NOT RUN
TRAINS ON TIME

because invariably the reason I’d be running is that the trains were all delayed and I’d just noticed the previous, late-running service before the one I wanted to catch was still in the platform. But sure, blame the passengers.