Foot crossings at Thorne 'Stations'.

[natureboy]

Last Saturday I decided to have a trip out so took the train from Leeds to Thorne, via and changing at Doncaster; and me being me, decided to walk between the two Thorne stations. [The reason for this given below] I arrived at Thorne South [TNS] on time at 14:25 and alighted. I didn’t need to cross the line, but did notice there was a foot crossing for this purpose. I leisurely walked through the town and had a bite to eat and a quick pint before heading for Thorne North [TNN]. I had about 10-15 minutes to wait and joined the 15:57 to Hull as far as Goole. I had a good couple of hours here before returning to Leeds on the now very limited service via Rawcliffe, Knottingley, Castleford etc.

However, whilst I was waiting at Thorne North I noticed a foot crossing very similar to the one at Thorne South. I simply used the footbridge to get across to the down (Hull bound) platform, but anyone unable to do so would’ve required assistance because the crossing at Thorne North is not open 24/7 unlike the one at Thorne South.

Now for the $64,000 question! Why is Thorne North’s crossing only available during booking office opening times when Thorne South’s is open all the time. Also, neither crossing has a red/green light warning facility, so what's the reason for the limited access at Thorne North? :-?

 

[142094]

Think this was discussed recently as a passenger wanted to use the crossing at North but the booking office was shut - so they had a bit of a detour.

 

[Max]

Indeed, see here: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=41406

 

[142094]

Many stations have no disabled access, but who knows what you're supposed to do if you need access. For example, the Leeds-bound platform at Knottingley is only accessed by a footbridge, but perhaps if you asked the conductor they'd let you on when the train reverses further down the line (train from Leeds terminates at an accessible platfrom at Knottingley).

 

[Holly]

If there is a crossing that can be used when the station in manned then the least the railway could do would be to allow volunteer crossing guards.

Something like - you need to complete the safety training course and be certificated to get a key to the gates. And of course a passenger can be his or her own crossing guard.

Other than that warning signs should be sufficient
"STOP, LOOK LISTEN
Trains pass here at up to X mph and sometimes don't make a lot of sound.
Don't forget that just because you see a train does not mean there is no second train on the other line".

 

[Ploughman]

Without checking the other thread would it be because the Goole line closes overnight after midnight and the Scunthorpe line is 24 hour?
As well as the station staffing reason.

 

[142094]

There are many other foot crossings in the UK where a member of staff doesn't need to be there, so not entirely sure why it is that much of a problem at Thorne North.

Replacing a foot/barrow crossing with a footbridge or lift is expensive indeed - Huddersfield being a good example.

 

[natureboy]

Many stations have no disabled access, but who knows what you're supposed to do if you need access. For example, the Leeds-bound platform at Knottingley is only accessed by a footbridge, but perhaps if you asked the conductor they'd let you on when the train reverses further down the line (train from Leeds terminates at an accessible platfrom at Knottingley).

I went to Knottingley very recently and the train from Leeds arrived at the expected departure platform. As we approached the station I felt a lurch to the right and thought; are we heading for Askern??? It would appear to me the only train from Leeds to arrive at Knottingley's down platform (was 1, but is now 2) is the Goole service! And by the way; couldn't Northern Rail do something with this service, like make it every two hours like it was 25 - 30 years ago. The current timetable (east of Knottingley) is ridiculous!

 

[142094]

I went to Knottingley very recently and the train from Leeds arrived at the expected departure platform. As we approached the station I felt a lurch to the right and thought; are we heading for Askern??? It would appear to me the only train from Leeds to arrive at Knottingley's down platform (was 1, but is now 2) is the Goole service! And by the way; couldn't Northern Rail do something with this service, like make it every two hours like it was 25 - 30 years ago. The current timetable (east of Knottingley) is ridiculous!

All trains that I've been on to Knottingley use the current platform 2 to terminate, then use the points towards the wagon repair depot to cross over the lines, then use platform 1 to go back towards Leeds. Never used the Goole service yet, so will have to see what it does.

Unless it has changed recently, then units should use platform 2 when coming into Knottingley to terminate.