Paddington station is trialling temporary turtle barriers to persuade passengers with heavy luggage to use lifts instead of escalators, enhancing customer safety.
Since the Elizabeth line's launch in May 2022, Paddington station has recorded a notably high number of escalator incidents compared to other stations. This trial aims to enhance customer safety by redirecting heavy luggage users to lifts.
The staff member informed us that when necessary, the 'turtle' barriers are deployed to narrow the station's entrance in front of escalators, redirecting customers with luggage and prams.
While width reduction barriers could block luggage access as seen in airports, they would slow down traffic significantly, which may not be viable for busy stations like Paddington.
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