As mentioned in the fares part of the forum, it appears that proposals are being brought forward for ticket gates on platforms 8 and 9 at Paddington.
This was part of the Direct Award
The planning application, made initially on 4 March 2021 and subsequently updated is here
https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/o...ils.do?keyVal=QPG963RPIZV00&activeTab=summary
This shows the positioning of the new gatelines.
https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/o...BC-PROPOSED_PLATFORM_8_AND_9_PLAN-6782210.pdf
While welcoming the gating of these platforms, which is long overdue, what is surprising to me is that they are not preserving the walking route to the back of the station using this platform and the bicycle racks remain in place.
I would have put a long wall down the length of platforms 8 and 9 starting on each platform at the foot of the footbridge and had separate gate lines for platform 8 and platform 9 half way down the platform, akin to what was done on platform 12. I wouldn't be removing the barrier between platform 9 and 10 either. Given there is already a pinchpoint at the foot of the steps to the overbridge, there doesn't seem to be any reason not to gate the platforms in this way.
I guess the importance of this walking route has reduced since the removal of platform 13 and the change in access to the Hammersmith & City line.
I appreciate that gating platform 1 is difficult but it can't be impossible.
This was part of the Direct Award
79. Paddington Platform Ticket Gates
The Franchisee shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure by no later than 31 March 2021 (and in any event by no later than 31 October 2022) the installation of commissioned and operational automatic ticket gates at platforms 8 and 9 at London Paddington station. The Franchisee shall ensure that such ticket gates are staffed for eight (8) hours during any Weekday and four (4) hours during any day that is not a Weekday from the date of completion of installation and commissioning for the remainder of the Franchise Term. The Franchisee’s obligations under this paragraph 79 are conditional on all applicable consents (including listed building and other planning consents, Network Rail consent, and station change at London Paddington station), which the Franchisee shall in each case use all reasonable endeavours to obtain.
The planning application, made initially on 4 March 2021 and subsequently updated is here
https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/o...ils.do?keyVal=QPG963RPIZV00&activeTab=summary
21/01351/LBC | Installation of Automatic Ticket Gatelines and CCTV at Platforms 8 and 9 and associated works. | Paddington Station Praed Street London W2 1HB
This shows the positioning of the new gatelines.
https://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/o...BC-PROPOSED_PLATFORM_8_AND_9_PLAN-6782210.pdf
While welcoming the gating of these platforms, which is long overdue, what is surprising to me is that they are not preserving the walking route to the back of the station using this platform and the bicycle racks remain in place.
I would have put a long wall down the length of platforms 8 and 9 starting on each platform at the foot of the footbridge and had separate gate lines for platform 8 and platform 9 half way down the platform, akin to what was done on platform 12. I wouldn't be removing the barrier between platform 9 and 10 either. Given there is already a pinchpoint at the foot of the steps to the overbridge, there doesn't seem to be any reason not to gate the platforms in this way.
I guess the importance of this walking route has reduced since the removal of platform 13 and the change in access to the Hammersmith & City line.
I appreciate that gating platform 1 is difficult but it can't be impossible.