Rise in platform falls prompts airport rail warning

Passengers travelling to and from London airports are being urged to take extra care at railway stations after a rise in falls between trains and platforms.

Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) said 93 passengers had fallen between a train and the platform while boarding so far this year, a 43% increase on the same period last year.

Hannah Lindsay, GTR's safety and security improvement manager, said: "What we're really trying to highlight is that this is a preventable accident, and to show what can happen if you make that unsafe choice."

The operator said rushing for trains, attempting to board as doors close and taking luggage onto escalators were among the most common causes of station accidents.

Lindsay encouraged passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, avoid rushing and check travel information before setting off.

"It's a really simple message from us here - take time," she told the BBC.

August is typically one of the busiest months for Gatwick and Luton airports, with an increase in passengers travelling to both destinations by rail.

GTR, which operates Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services to both airports, said most accidents on platforms were preventable and are trying to reduce the number of incidents.

Lindsay said: "We've got the summer holidays, with people travelling with us, going on holiday and coming to London to enjoy the city.

"People will take their luggage, suitcases, prams, etc on to escalators, which is really unsafe as they can fall back.

"So what we're saying is to use our lifts or speak to members of staff. They're on hand to help you."

The advice forms part of the operator's rail humorous safety campaign which has been fronted by comedian and actress Diane Morgan.

The videos highlights simple steps passengers can take to avoid injury while travelling.

Despite the recent spike in incidents involving falls between the train and the platform, GTR added that overall slips, trips and falls are down 5% year-on-year across its network.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for GTR, said: "It's positive to see an overall reduction in accidents across our network, but we really want to see a reduction in those attempting to jump on a train as the doors are closing as it results in completely avoidable injury.

"With lots of people travelling this summer who may not be familiar with our trains or our stations, we are taking the opportunity to share essential travel advice so that people take extra care."

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