Platform ramps

[DJ_K666]

So when did they stop building ramps at the end of new platforms? Must be a recent thing. Why?

 

[90019]

I'm not aware of this being the case :?

 

[DJ_K666]

Its just that whenever I've noticed new stations or platforms, such as the new one at Princes Risborough or Imperial Wharf in London or the new ones opened on the Ebbw vale line they seem devoid of ramps. They just look wrong and unfinished. If its an anti trespass thing surely a trespasser would just jump down...

 

[Fincra5]

I guess at these stations they just aren't needed.

 

[DJ_K666]

Maybe. I'll have dig see what I can find

 

[poshbakerloo]

I guess they are either not needed or summit

 

[90019]

or summit

What's it got to do with mountains?

 

[philjo]

Have the new platforms got disabled access (i.e. an access ramp or lift)? - presumably as they are new they do, to comply with current regulations.

At many stations, the ramp had an associated barrow crossing over the tracks to enable access to the other platform without having to go up the stairs on the bridge.
(e.g. as still used every day at Settle to access the northbound platform with the catering trolley or luggage etc that can't go over the footbridge)

 

[Mojo]

Is it something to do with how new platforms are built (ie. prefabricated slabs put on stilts leaving a void underneath the platform) as opposed to "solid" platforms?

 

[Aictos]

What's it got to do with mountains?

I think he means something, not summit,

 

[Dolive22]

Trespassers have no problem hopping down to track level. Of course the problem comes when they need to get back up in a hurry.

I did see a couple of people messing about and crossing the track in a station a few years ago. They were perfectly happy jumping up and down. A friend of mine crossed over in the station (across the track) and got a pretty nast gash along a third of his leg jumping up, he caught it on the lip of the platform. As I told him, it served him right. He got quite a ticking off when I found out what he'd done.

I'll try and have a look at my local station that has ahd it's platforms extended recetnly and see if there are ramps.

How did they used to build platforms? I know the new ones at my local station are hollow.

 

[Wyvern]

I've just had a look at East Midlands Parkway on Wikipedia and it seems to have ramps.

 

[jopsuk]

The extended Platform 1 at Cambridge lost the ramp, though there's a set of steps on the end

 

[mumrar]

I think a lot of the older platforms have ramps for access by track workers (when some of the public had less balls to just do what they like). Also, some may be from signal post telephones just off the platform, which H&S now deem some unsafe due to adjacent running lines, so they're not needed for that either. The ramps down at New St platform are so narrow at the end you struggle to get a bicycle off it.

 

[A60K]

I think that there used to be a legal requirement, abolished a few years ago, that specifically required ramps at the end of station platforms.

Southern Region stations often have prefabricated platforms with slabs on supports that also have platform end ramps - especially where platform extensions have been built in BR days. I think that as well as the supports, slabs and fences being precast panels the ramps are as well.

 

[90019]

I think he means something, not summit,

i know what he actually meant

 

[Old Timer]

The current practice for platform construction requires that platforms are built without ramps unless there is a requirement for them to be provided for the use of train crew, or for infrastructure maintenance staff to access the track.

New build platforms that fall outside of this are built without ramps and with fencing at the extremities of the platform, aka Coleshill.

 

[DJ_K666]

The current practice for platform construction requires that platforms are built without ramps unless there is a requirement for them to be provided for the use of train crew, or for infrastructure maintenance staff to access the track.

New build platforms that fall outside of this are built without ramps and with fencing at the extremities of the platform, aka Coleshill.

So when did that actually come in? Imho it makes platforms look unfinished.

 

[Old Timer]

So when did that actually come in? Imho it makes platforms look unfinished.

This came into effect from 2007

 

[DJ_K666]

This came into effect from 2007

Ah I see. I still disapprove though.

 

[Old Timer]

Ah I see. I still disapprove though.

Why ?

Its an anti-trespass measure which unfortunately in these modern times is necessary because Judges, judge that a ramp is an invitation to tresspas and thus places liability on the Railways as a result.

It is sad that we only seem to export to the UK from Europe what is the worst, as in much of Europe there is little if any sympathy to be gained for anyone who goes onto the line / track, the concept being that if you are stupid enough to do so, then you will reap the consequences, and the fault is yours and no-one else's.

 

[DJ_K666]

Why ?

Its an anti-trespass measure which unfortunately in these modern times is necessary because Judges, judge that a ramp is an invitation to tresspas and thus places liability on the Railways as a result.

It is sad that we only seem to export to the UK from Europe what is the worst, as in much of Europe there is little if any sympathy to be gained for anyone who goes onto the line / track, the concept being that if you are stupid enough to do so, then you will reap the consequences, and the fault is yours and no-one else's.

If someone is dumb enough to trespass they will probably jump down anyway regardless of ramp or not. In fact, most of the times I've seen people on the track they've jumped down between the platforms and not walked down the ramp.

Reason I don't like it is because, aside from the aesthetic issue, (I think it is ugly and look unfinished) it allows emergency access in the event of an incident, plus if a train has to be evacuated then the passengers would be able to walk up the ramp instead of climbing up and possibly injuring themselves.

I'm with you on the Europe thing though. Indeed, if someone is dumb enough to go on the track to fool around then they take it on themselves, after all, Network Rail and the TOCs plus pretty much anyone you can think of is saying how dangerous it it, putting up signs, barriers, etc then to ignore them (especially on the West Coastway line or the Brighton line) they (the trespassers, that is) would have to be stupid at best or suicidal at worst.