Interesting poster at Weston-s-Mare

[htwestern]

I saw an interesting poster at Weston-super-Mare this afternoon, outside on the frontage regarding the barrow crossing at the southern end.

It reads:

Use of the station crossing​

For safety reasons, the crossing may only be used by authorised station staff.

Customers with limited mobility or who require Passenger Assistance and require the use of the crossing, please make yourself known to a member of staff.

All other customers, if able, please use the footbridge or the alternative walking route as shown below.

We apologise for any inconvenience the restricted use of the crossing causes.

Weston-super-Mare Barrow Crossing v1

I have used this station for years and have never seen the crossing in use, by passenger assist or otherwise. (I suppose there’s a low chance given that most services use platform 2.) It‘s got the standard “Passengers must not pass this point or cross the line“ warnings at the end of the platform.

Has there been an increase of trespassing recently? The wording of the poster makes it sound like a change of rules which is strange.

 

[Annetts key]

In the past, yes, the station staff have used it to get people with limited mobility across from one platform to another.

Since the new entry/exit on platform 1 was brought into use, this happens much less frequently.

I don't know if there has been an increase in trespassing here, but this station is one of a number In the area where there has been some trouble from unpleasant people who think they don't have to pay.

I don't think there has been any change of rules, passengers have never been permitted to use the barrow crossing without being escorted by station staff.