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Heathrow Express installs safety platform 'gap-fillers'

30 Apr 2015 by GrahamSmith

Heathrow Express has installed platform gap-fillers at its stations to reduce the risk of passenger accidents.

The rail company is the first in the UK to fit the devices along the edge of station platforms, reducing the size of the gap between the train and platform edge.

The gap-fillers also enhance access for disabled passengers and will be installed at all Heathrow Express train stations by the end of May.

Heathrow Express gap-filler

"Stepboard" accidents — when someone falls between the train and platform edge — are responsible for 48 per cent of the overall fatality risk to passengers, Heathrow Express said.

A year-long trial at Heathrow Terminal 5 station found there were no incidents wherever gap-fillers were in use.

Joanne Lewis, Heathrow Express' head of safety, said: "Our top priority is ensuring Heathrow Express, and the rail industry as a whole, is as safe as possible for customers and employees.

"Stepboard accidents are a concern across the rail industry, and for good reason — they can be fatal. With demand for rail travel predicted to double over the next 30 years in the UK, devices like gap-fillers could be a big help."

The platform gap-fillers are designed by Australian company Delkor Rail.

heathrowexpress.com

Graham Smith

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