Heathrow Express has become the first rail company in the UK to install platform ‘gap-fillers’ at its stations to reduce the risk of passenger accidents.
The gap-fillers sit along the edge of the station platforms reducing the size of the gap between the train and platform edge.
The rail company, which operates services between London Paddington and Heathrow airport, said ‘stepboard’ accidents are responsible for 48 per cent of the overall fatality risk to passengers. They occur when someone falls between the train and platform edge.
A year-long trial at Heathrow Terminal five station found there were no incidents wherever gap-fillers were in use. The devices are now set to be installed at all Heathrow Express train stations by the end of May.
Heathrow Express head of safety Joanne Lewis, 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.”
Heathrow Express carries around 17,000 people a day.