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Chaos as crowds trapped at barrier
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| STUCK: Swarms of people were unable to cross the railway track on Poole High Street after the level crossing was jammed |
LUNCHTIME shoppers in Poole were left trapped on Wednesday when the High Street level crossing got stuck down for more than two hours.
Huge crowds built up either side of the crossing as the red warning lights remained on and the barriers down following the failure at 11.45pm.
Although some shoppers were able to slowly filter over the bridge, people with pushchairs and those in mobility scooters were forced to sit it out and wait for the barriers to finally go up.
The gates were finally raised manually at around 2pm and shoppers were able to continue on their way, though workmen continued to work on the fault until it was fixed at around 5.30pm.
Abigail Rushmore, in town with nine-month-old baby Katy, said they were forced to sit and wait for the problem to be resolved.
She said: "It's usually bad enough having to wait for the trains but this was ridiculous."
Steve Turner, a shopper using the bank in town, said there were "chaotic scenes". He added: "I was walking back up the High Street when I met with a throng of families, many with pushchairs, congregating on the approach of the crossing.
"The bridge was choc-a-bloc and when you got to the other side it was the same as well."
PJ Taylor, spokesman for Network Rail, said the problem was found to be a broken relay in the crossing's electrical mechanism.
Engineers, who were on the scene by 1.30pm, had to go to Eastleigh to pick up a spare before the problem in Poole could be rectified.
6:00am Thursday 15th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: godzilla, hamworthy on 7:29am Thu 15 May 08
That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing
That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing
Posted by: John, Poole on 8:11am Thu 15 May 08
Poole Residents have waited over 30 years for their new Harbour Bridge to open,so they are used to delays in this town.
Poole Residents have waited over 30 years for their new Harbour Bridge to open,so they are used to delays in this town.
Posted by: bobble212, Christchurch on 8:30am Thu 15 May 08
Why didn't the people just walk to the under pass near the station ?
Why didn't the people just walk to the under pass near the station ?
Posted by: Hengist, Southbourne on 9:11am Thu 15 May 08
They probably didn't know there was an underpass, but it would have been helpful if someone had directed them to it!
They probably didn't know there was an underpass, but it would have been helpful if someone had directed them to it!
Posted by: Grumble, Oakdale on 9:24am Thu 15 May 08
This barrier seems to be very poorly operated, it's not unusual for the barrier to remain down for several minutes after the train has gone, I have also seen (on several occasions) the barrier raised (after a long delay) only for the bell to sound as the crowds get half-way across; I sometimes wonder if the Moron operator finds this funny!
This barrier seems to be very poorly operated, it's not unusual for the barrier to remain down for several minutes after the train has gone, I have also seen (on several occasions) the barrier raised (after a long delay) only for the bell to sound as the crowds get half-way across; I sometimes wonder if the Moron operator finds this funny!
Posted by: dibbles, Bournemouth on 9:26am Thu 15 May 08
Did it not occur to anyone to tell people there was a mechanical fault or did people just wait for two hours for the hell of it.
Did it not occur to anyone to tell people there was a mechanical fault or did people just wait for two hours for the hell of it.
Posted by: Claud Board, woodlousekevvoland on 9:32am Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]godzilla[/bold] wrote:
That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing[/quote] No surprise there then, but hay GROCKLE'S do get lost in poole town centre, you won't find a P**s Corner on Seldown Bridge,should have taken shortest cut not longest, could have wet yourself .don’t embarrass yourself next time ask a local 2year old.It could have been worse though you could have walked around Holes Bay.
godzilla wrote:
That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing
No surprise there then, but hay GROCKLE'S do get lost in poole town centre, you won't find a P**s Corner on Seldown Bridge,should have taken shortest cut not longest, could have wet yourself .don’t embarrass yourself next time ask a local 2year old.It could have been worse though you could have walked around Holes Bay.
Posted by: Benjamin, Hamworthy on 9:40am Thu 15 May 08
Maybe some of our PCSO's could have been put to use each side of the crossing to inform and direct people round. Or is this expecting too much.
Maybe some of our PCSO's could have been put to use each side of the crossing to inform and direct people round. Or is this expecting too much.
Posted by: Mad Karew, Poole on 10:22am Thu 15 May 08
Quaint though it is to have a railway line crossing the High Street, it's a bit old-fashioned and damages the local economy by cutting the town in half. Also dangerous, there is a risk of wheelchairs being stuck or upset on the rails, ladies high heels getting stuck, and of course the idiots who must try to beat the barriers to cross, all resulting in possible casualties from people being trapped in front on oncoming trains. Not to mention the youngsters who can't resist playing with the barriers and risk being caught as they raise.
It's high time that Poole Council, Network Rail and the Govt invested the money to build a safer and more Poole-friendly crossing, maybe by varying the levels to separate people from the trains.
Quaint though it is to have a railway line crossing the High Street, it's a bit old-fashioned and damages the local economy by cutting the town in half. Also dangerous, there is a risk of wheelchairs being stuck or upset on the rails, ladies high heels getting stuck, and of course the idiots who must try to beat the barriers to cross, all resulting in possible casualties from people being trapped in front on oncoming trains. Not to mention the youngsters who can't resist playing with the barriers and risk being caught as they raise.
It's high time that Poole Council, Network Rail and the Govt invested the money to build a safer and more Poole-friendly crossing, maybe by varying the levels to separate people from the trains.
Posted by: christine2009, poole on 10:52am Thu 15 May 08
tht barrier has always been a pain for me
they should do something about it
tht barrier has always been a pain for me
they should do something about it
Posted by: christine2009, poole on 10:53am Thu 15 May 08
tht barrier has always been a pain for me
they should do something about it
tht barrier has always been a pain for me
they should do something about it
Posted by: godzilla, poole on 11:00am Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Claud Board[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]godzilla[/bold] wrote: That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing[/quote] No surprise there then, but hay GROCKLE'S do get lost in poole town centre, you won't find a P**s Corner on Seldown Bridge,should have taken shortest cut not longest, could have wet yourself .don’t embarrass yourself next time ask a local 2year old.It could have been worse though you could have walked around Holes Bay.[/quote] what are you talking about ? I
Claud Board wrote:
godzilla wrote: That happened to myself and my hubsand once before we went around the other side of Sainsburys and walked over seldown bridge to get back to the multi storey car park a long walk but quicker than waiting at the crossing
No surprise there then, but hay GROCKLE'S do get lost in poole town centre, you won't find a P**s Corner on Seldown Bridge,should have taken shortest cut not longest, could have wet yourself .don’t embarrass yourself next time ask a local 2year old.It could have been worse though you could have walked around Holes Bay.
what are you talking about ? I
Posted by: godzilla, hamworthy on 11:04am Thu 15 May 08
I realised after we could have walked to the underpass I was however just pointing out that I didnt see the need to wait for 2 hours and what are you on about a pee stop for not mentioned in this thread that I can see
I realised after we could have walked to the underpass I was however just pointing out that I didnt see the need to wait for 2 hours and what are you on about a pee stop for not mentioned in this thread that I can see
Posted by: Claud Board, woodlouse kevvoland on 11:05am Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]christine2009[/bold] wrote:
tht barrier has always been a pain for me they should do something about it[/quote] GOOD IDEA !!!!!! they could raise it when there isn't a train comeing,Woodkin marvelouse.
christine2009 wrote:
tht barrier has always been a pain for me they should do something about it
GOOD IDEA !!!!!! they could raise it when there isn't a train comeing,Woodkin marvelouse.
Posted by: Quakers, Poole on 11:46am Thu 15 May 08
Who are "they" ? Always somebody elses problem to solve. Do you really think Network Rail care about this ?
Who are "they" ? Always somebody elses problem to solve. Do you really think Network Rail care about this ?
Posted by: davey, bournemouth on 11:48am Thu 15 May 08
Two bridges and two underpass's not enough for these people?!?!
Two bridges and two underpass's not enough for these people?!?!
Posted by: Mark, Bournemouth on 11:56am Thu 15 May 08
The trains are driving far more slowly through this crossing than they once did and the gates come down earlier and rise much later than they used too.
It has made shopping in the High Street very unattractive and doubtless businesses are suffering. But in our PC driven society it's 'elf n safety' spoiling everything again.
The trains are driving far more slowly through this crossing than they once did and the gates come down earlier and rise much later than they used too.
It has made shopping in the High Street very unattractive and doubtless businesses are suffering. But in our PC driven society it's 'elf n safety' spoiling everything again.
Posted by: anton, uk on 1:26pm Thu 15 May 08
Was there and have to say the headline 'Chaos' is at best sensationalist and at worst like reading the blinking daily snail.
Was there and have to say the headline 'Chaos' is at best sensationalist and at worst like reading the blinking daily snail.
Posted by: Quakers, Poole on 1:29pm Thu 15 May 08
The Echo has a desire to sensationalise everything lately as it loves to wind up residents like you an dI to respond. Usually the have a good pop at the Councils without printing the real facts - Poole Spying story for instance. Have to get used to it.
The Echo has a desire to sensationalise everything lately as it loves to wind up residents like you an dI to respond. Usually the have a good pop at the Councils without printing the real facts - Poole Spying story for instance. Have to get used to it.
Posted by: may79, poole on 3:04pm Thu 15 May 08
The problem lies with the idiot that thought it would be a good idea to build a shopping centre the otherside of a railway track. I was there yesturday when this happened and i did wait about 30mins before i decided to go over the bridge when i found out the problem and i had my little girl and her pushchair and shopping and with the amouth of people going over the bridge it wasnt much fun and for only one person to ask to help was crazy and this person was a o.a.p that had enough to worry about then me. I am very surprised there wasnt a accident on the bridge and that there should of been more help available and surport from the police.
The problem lies with the idiot that thought it would be a good idea to build a shopping centre the otherside of a railway track. I was there yesturday when this happened and i did wait about 30mins before i decided to go over the bridge when i found out the problem and i had my little girl and her pushchair and shopping and with the amouth of people going over the bridge it wasnt much fun and for only one person to ask to help was crazy and this person was a o.a.p that had enough to worry about then me. I am very surprised there wasnt a accident on the bridge and that there should of been more help available and surport from the police.
Posted by: BigBrown, bournemouth on 3:08pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]may79[/bold] wrote:
The problem lies with the idiot that thought it would be a good idea to build a shopping centre the otherside of a railway track. I was there yesturday when this happened and i did wait about 30mins before i decided to go over the bridge when i found out the problem and i had my little girl and her pushchair and shopping and with the amouth of people going over the bridge it wasnt much fun and for only one person to ask to help was crazy and this person was a o.a.p that had enough to worry about then me. I am very surprised there wasnt a accident on the bridge and that there should of been more help available and surport from the police. [/quote] you waited 30 minutes and then decided to walk over the bridge? well more fool you. if you have nothing better to do than wait around all day long then you have no right to moan. shame on you
may79 wrote:
The problem lies with the idiot that thought it would be a good idea to build a shopping centre the otherside of a railway track. I was there yesturday when this happened and i did wait about 30mins before i decided to go over the bridge when i found out the problem and i had my little girl and her pushchair and shopping and with the amouth of people going over the bridge it wasnt much fun and for only one person to ask to help was crazy and this person was a o.a.p that had enough to worry about then me. I am very surprised there wasnt a accident on the bridge and that there should of been more help available and surport from the police.
you waited 30 minutes and then decided to walk over the bridge? well more fool you. if you have nothing better to do than wait around all day long then you have no right to moan. shame on you
Posted by: swampy, poole on 3:23pm Thu 15 May 08
just as well it was a nice day.....people didn't have to stand around and moan, there are alternatives, or is exercise a naughty word
just as well it was a nice day.....people didn't have to stand around and moan, there are alternatives, or is exercise a naughty word
Posted by: saz2008, poole on 3:56pm Thu 15 May 08
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.
Posted by: saz2008, poole on 3:57pm Thu 15 May 08
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.
Posted by: Quakers, Poole on 4:06pm Thu 15 May 08
How long would you wait before crossing the bridge or going under the railway line via the pushchair friendly underpass ? Are people still there waiting ? Perhaps the Salvation Army should be put on notice that they can hand out blankets and tea to thus unfortunates that are stuck and have not sense to identify alternatives. I blame the Police, Council, Network Rail and Harry Redknapp. As well as the owners of the sandwich shop next to the crossing - bet they did some good business!
How long would you wait before crossing the bridge or going under the railway line via the pushchair friendly underpass ? Are people still there waiting ? Perhaps the Salvation Army should be put on notice that they can hand out blankets and tea to thus unfortunates that are stuck and have not sense to identify alternatives. I blame the Police, Council, Network Rail and Harry Redknapp. As well as the owners of the sandwich shop next to the crossing - bet they did some good business!
Posted by: BigBrown, bournemouth on 4:13pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]saz2008[/bold] wrote:
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.[/quote] i did read it properly and it made me laugh out loud. what a complete plonker
saz2008 wrote:
you obviously didnt read it properly, she had a pushchair.its not going to be easy getting over the bridge on your own with a pushchair so in future why dont you read it properly.
i did read it properly and it made me laugh out loud. what a complete plonker
Posted by: Quakers, Poole on 4:39pm Thu 15 May 08
How long would you wait before crossing the bridge or going under the railway line via the pushchair friendly underpass ? Are people still there waiting ? Perhaps the Salvation Army should be put on notice that they can hand out blankets and tea to thus unfortunates that are stuck and have not sense to identify alternatives. I blame the Police, Council, Network Rail and Harry Redknapp. As well as the owners of the sandwich shop next to the crossing - bet they did some good business!
How long would you wait before crossing the bridge or going under the railway line via the pushchair friendly underpass ? Are people still there waiting ? Perhaps the Salvation Army should be put on notice that they can hand out blankets and tea to thus unfortunates that are stuck and have not sense to identify alternatives. I blame the Police, Council, Network Rail and Harry Redknapp. As well as the owners of the sandwich shop next to the crossing - bet they did some good business!
Posted by: Rosettio, East Anglia on 5:51pm Thu 15 May 08
What a palaver. I've hauled many a pushchair (heavy old silver cross, too) plus occupant and toddler up and down these stairs and on and off buses, trains and tubes with no help.
All rights and no strategies these days.
What a palaver. I've hauled many a pushchair (heavy old silver cross, too) plus occupant and toddler up and down these stairs and on and off buses, trains and tubes with no help.
All rights and no strategies these days.
Posted by: MIG, Poole on 7:07pm Thu 15 May 08
A couple of points missing from the Echo report that it would have been interesting to know:
1.Did anyone from Network Rail actually attend when they knew that there was a problem to advise the assembled multitudes?
2.As there was apparently an obvious potential for a public order situation did ANY Police officer attend at any time? I gather that there are no British Transport Police in Dorset now, but maybe Dorset Police....
If anyone refers to what happened in 'The old days' remember that there were originally TWO level crossings which affected vehicle traffic as well. Also, the footbridge was raised a foot in the mid 1980s as part of the electrification, so one now has further to drag the pushchair and shopping.
A couple of points missing from the Echo report that it would have been interesting to know:
1.Did anyone from Network Rail actually attend when they knew that there was a problem to advise the assembled multitudes?
2.As there was apparently an obvious potential for a public order situation did ANY Police officer attend at any time? I gather that there are no British Transport Police in Dorset now, but maybe Dorset Police....
If anyone refers to what happened in 'The old days' remember that there were originally TWO level crossings which affected vehicle traffic as well. Also, the footbridge was raised a foot in the mid 1980s as part of the electrification, so one now has further to drag the pushchair and shopping.
Posted by: loulou, wimborne on 7:22pm Thu 15 May 08
I agree with Quakers - are we all so lazy or stupid that we can't find an alternative route - amazing what "chaos" is caused by a lack of initiative, what a non-story.
I agree with Quakers - are we all so lazy or stupid that we can't find an alternative route - amazing what "chaos" is caused by a lack of initiative, what a non-story.
Posted by: Horse with no Name, Dorset on 8:17pm Thu 15 May 08
Being an older gentleman I wonder who remembers waiting at the manually operated gates.
Even then there was a sort of offhand way the operator operated the large wheel from his box above the crossing.
I remember the gates assisting those to late or too slow across the tracks.
I guess trouble with that system was it cost too much to get the “personal service”.
Even that system broke occasionally causing some hideous traffic chaos.
In those days you could get on a train in West moors or Wimborne and go shopping in Poole or Bournemouth.
No worries about the car park which was then open space.
We are now so advanced that it takes longer to travel by car, it costs more than by train, there is less variety when you get there and when its over you take your life in your hand getting home.
Railtrack take a lot of stick but they are trying to plan a future.
Their first batch of apprentices finish this year and all of a sudden we might have an old fashioned railway again. You remember with people you Know ignoring you while you wait at the crossing.
Being an older gentleman I wonder who remembers waiting at the manually operated gates.
Even then there was a sort of offhand way the operator operated the large wheel from his box above the crossing.
I remember the gates assisting those to late or too slow across the tracks.
I guess trouble with that system was it cost too much to get the “personal service”.
Even that system broke occasionally causing some hideous traffic chaos.
In those days you could get on a train in West moors or Wimborne and go shopping in Poole or Bournemouth.
No worries about the car park which was then open space.
We are now so advanced that it takes longer to travel by car, it costs more than by train, there is less variety when you get there and when its over you take your life in your hand getting home.
Railtrack take a lot of stick but they are trying to plan a future.
Their first batch of apprentices finish this year and all of a sudden we might have an old fashioned railway again. You remember with people you Know ignoring you while you wait at the crossing.
Posted by: anton, uk on 8:27pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]loulou[/bold] wrote:
I agree with Quakers - are we all so lazy or stupid that we can't find an alternative route - amazing what "chaos" is caused by a lack of initiative, what a non-story.[/quote] Non story - totally agree. Mind you a lot of people have been bored enough at work to write realms of nothing about this nothing report. What will it be tomorrow? I expect our news breaking soaraway echo are checking yesterdays Daily Mail for ideas right now.
loulou wrote:
I agree with Quakers - are we all so lazy or stupid that we can't find an alternative route - amazing what "chaos" is caused by a lack of initiative, what a non-story.
Non story - totally agree. Mind you a lot of people have been bored enough at work to write realms of nothing about this nothing report. What will it be tomorrow? I expect our news breaking soaraway echo are checking yesterdays Daily Mail for ideas right now.
Posted by: Si, Poole on 8:57pm Thu 15 May 08
lemmings. all of you.
Posted by: Ian, Bournemouth / Wimborne on 11:40am Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]Si[/bold] wrote:
lemmings. all of you.[/quote] It is a good job that people are not literally lemmings other wise imagine the mess they would make on reaching the top of the bridge.
Two things seem to have been deleted from people’s intellect these days: Common Sense and Logic!
Si wrote:
lemmings. all of you.
It is a good job that people are not literally lemmings other wise imagine the mess they would make on reaching the top of the bridge.
Two things seem to have been deleted from people’s intellect these days: Common Sense and Logic!
Posted by: OhMyGoodnessMe!!, At work on 2:38pm Fri 16 May 08
Lunchtime shoppers got caught out after the barrier went down at 11.45pm?!?!?!, does no one at the Echo check the dates and times of these things before they go to print!!!!
Lunchtime shoppers got caught out after the barrier went down at 11.45pm?!?!?!, does no one at the Echo check the dates and times of these things before they go to print!!!!
Posted by: a.p.harris, expat on 3:56pm Fri 16 May 08
Perhaps the underused station underpass was put in the wrong place by the people that should know where it needs to go.Bridges in the right place seem to be in short supply in Poole thesedays.Per
haps you should count your lucky stars you have a trainline that's too expensive to use and that still goes to and through Poole.The last time I went back to home town,i stood before said crossing in the pouring rain and i would of definetly agreed with agrieved busy pedestrians and their opinions above.How old is that bridge anyway?.Perhaps its time to move the trainline,they can do anything thesedays, cant they?
Perhaps the underused station underpass was put in the wrong place by the people that should know where it needs to go.Bridges in the right place seem to be in short supply in Poole thesedays.Per
haps you should count your lucky stars you have a trainline that's too expensive to use and that still goes to and through Poole.The last time I went back to home town,i stood before said crossing in the pouring rain and i would of definetly agreed with agrieved busy pedestrians and their opinions above.How old is that bridge anyway?.Perhaps its time to move the trainline,they can do anything thesedays, cant they?
Posted by: tara1, poole on 12:38pm Sun 18 May 08
it's about time they got this sorted. it needs to be brought up to date.As for people saying use the underpass. I for one could not do that as I am disabled. Not every one is able to walk that far.
it's about time they got this sorted. it needs to be brought up to date.As for people saying use the underpass. I for one could not do that as I am disabled. Not every one is able to walk that far.
Posted by: Clarance, Bournemouth on 10:54pm Sun 18 May 08
With all the income genertaed by the new housing on Poole, perhaps a tunnel for nthe train would be a good idea?
With all the income genertaed by the new housing on Poole, perhaps a tunnel for nthe train would be a good idea?
Posted by: Mike Pickering, Bournemouth on 8:02pm Mon 19 May 08
It would cost millions and millions of pounds to either build the road under the railway, or more outlandishly - dig the track down under the road - and bear in mind trains cannot negotiate steep slopes, so the track would have to be graded for thousands of feet in either direction.
The upset and disproportionate cost of either approach means the the current situation of an unmanned barrier across the high street is the best approach.
As it has been without problem since the railway first cut through the town in the late 19th century.
Very very rarely something goes wrong with the barrier and people are inconvenienced. This might happen once in a blue moon.
Even if we put 'a price' on this inconvenience of 50 pounds per person per hour, this cost would no be recouped for thousands of years.
Simplest way..
It would cost millions and millions of pounds to either build the road under the railway, or more outlandishly - dig the track down under the road - and bear in mind trains cannot negotiate steep slopes, so the track would have to be graded for thousands of feet in either direction.
The upset and disproportionate cost of either approach means the the current situation of an unmanned barrier across the high street is the best approach.
As it has been without problem since the railway first cut through the town in the late 19th century.
Very very rarely something goes wrong with the barrier and people are inconvenienced. This might happen once in a blue moon.
Even if we put 'a price' on this inconvenience of 50 pounds per person per hour, this cost would no be recouped for thousands of years.
Simplest way..
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