UK - Escalator alert 'cuts accidents'

[John Ashworth]

Escalator alert 'cuts accidents'

Page last updated at 08:36 GMT, Wednesday, 8 April 2009 09:36 UK
BBC


An audio warning triggered when a rail passenger is about to step on an escalator at Reading station is cutting accidents, a train firm says.

The warning lets people using platforms five to eight - accident "hotspots" - know they can also use a lift.

Since its installation in January, accidents have been cut from 27 last year to one reported incident.

Duty manager John Gadd, said some people found it "irritating" but it had proved to be "very effective".

He said the system was "motion-sensored, so that during busy times of day, it goes off more often".

"A number of people say they find it irritating," he continued.

"But our take on it is look at the figures."

Warning posters at the station, run by First Great Western, had not worked, Mr Gadd said.

He said the elderly, people with heavy luggage or bikes, and those carrying babies were the most likely to be involved in an accident.

"Until we find a better way of doing it, the thing's going to stay in place," added Mr Gadd.

"It's proved to be very effective."