White lines (platform edge)

nickt · Post by **nickt** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:01 am

Does anyone know what rules apply to painting of white platform edge lines, in particular on the edge of slopes at end of platform.
What I am asking is should the line stop at end of platform before slope or can the line continue down slope as well.
Thanks.

jules · Post by **jules** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:47 pm

The white line should not continue down the end slope of a platform, except where the slope of the platform is used for access under normal operating conditions (e.g. where passengers use a crossing to reach another platform).

This document here will tell you all you need to know about platform / train interfaces ...

http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_Grou ... ss%202.pdf

Enjoy!

jules · Post by **jules** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:48 pm

You need section 11.2 BTW ...

nickt · Post by **nickt** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 6:14 pm

many thanks for that jules. answered question perfectly as approach slope is used purely for access by passengers ( only permitted access route ).
only other query is that I was told not to paint slope as some one might step off train and potentialy fall a short distance.

jules · Post by **jules** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:12 pm

only other query is that I was told not to paint slope as some one might step off train and potentialy fall a short distance.

That's the theory. You also have to consider people with diminished vision who might see the line, but not be able to make out the distance away it is. So, where people aren't supposed to de-train, there should be no white line encouraging them to do so.

Except, where everybody uses the slope as the recognised access to the platform obviosuly there is a risk of people walking off the edge of the ramp. As a greater risk, a white line is then justified.

Where have you been painting platform edges then?

nickt · Post by **nickt** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:47 pm

I am volunteer at Cranmore. just repainted white line along platform edge (not main station platform) and most of ramp.Asked if ok to paint ramp and was told ok, since then been pulled up by two others who said you must not paint ramp, scrape / paint over it. the platform is opposite loco shed and accessed from behind bottom of ramp then up onto platform. It has gone through my mind that a visualy impaired person could walk onto bottom of ramp and onto track therefor line would be justified in my opinion.

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:02 pm

Ah ok. Well, same rules should apply, even if you are on a heritage railway. My interpretation would be that the white line/no white line on ramp rules apply to the public only.

So, if the public use the ramp, you should definately have a white line. If it is used by railway staff only, then you shouldn't - as railway staff will be well aware of trackside dangers, should be PTS trained and hopefully are not sight-impaired!