Mirrors and Monitors

Plaistow had monitors when I went through there about 8 weeks ago.

Never really go beyond Barking on the District, but maybe I'll go tomoz...

Lakeside anybody???

Most W/B platforms between UPM and Barking have had their monitors replaced by mirrors in the past year. The only monitors left are at Upminster Bridge, used in conjunction with a big mirror, and Upney which is due to get a mirror sometime in the future. This is because mirrors are a) cheaper to maintain, b) less prone to failure, c) give a better view overall of the platform, d) are harder for the local chavs to knock out of alignment. Unfortunately it took a lot of work to get them changed due to LU 'standards'

When originally fitted but before commisioning some, eg. Hornchurch, Dagenham East and Becontree westbound, had a monitor fitted alongside the big mirror (though one had it's glass broken before commisioning). Sadly only Upminster Bridge retained the monitor part. The retention of the monitor (and it being a colour display) would have been absolutely perfect. Upney e/b had one for about two months after which it was switched off and has been ever since.

Flat screen colour monitors give a much better view of the platform. These new mirrors are dubious, they appear better only because the recessed black and white monitors and old mirrors were horrendous. These Mirrors do not give a good view of rear most cars in the platform especially in the dark and on the westbound that's where all the waiting and running passengers are.

The hanging mirrors on the eastbound are far, far worse. An absolute exact stop may give you a wafer thin view of the PTI (Platform Train Interface). There is no stopping position which gives you a full view of Dagenham East e/b without wandering about the cab and pressing your head against the cab glass.

The one at East Ham e/b is a joke, the platform is curved and busy and the steps at the back, allighting passengers on the platform completely obstruct the view of the last car, so you have to wait ages if you are to be sure it's clear.

Frankly I'm surprised HMRI are allowing some of these to go unchallenged !

All strikes me as a good job having been watered down to be done on the cheap i'm afraid

Your H&S Rep's pushed hard to get to the current OPO solution, if there are problems you should fill in a 'whats wrong form' and let your local H&S Rep know too.