‘Overcrowded’ trains danger on Gospel Oak to Barking line

Published: 25 March, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

RAILWAY pressure groups have warned that overground trains are becoming “dangerously” overcrowded at peak times.

They spoke out after Transport for London (TfL) admitted they have reduced the number of passenger services on the Gospel Oak to Barking line to accommodate more freight trains.

Richard Prout, chairman of the Gospel Oak to Barking Users Group, said: “We’ve had a report that a young teenager actually fainted in a carriage because of the crush. God forbid if there was ever a serious incident.”

Mr Prout said that there is a particular struggle to get on trains during morning and evening peak times. He believes that comfort of passengers is being sacrificed by the need to use the line for freight. 

Mr Prout added: “With proper planning and signalling, and ensuring freight does not run during peak times, there could have been less of a knock-on effect for passengers.”

Conditions on the line are exacerbated because the adjoining Richmond to Stratford line, taking in Camden Road and Highbury and Islington, has been closed until June for refurbishments.

Andrew Bosi, chairman of Friends of Capital Transport Campaign, said: “I’ve stood with a large group of passengers at Gospel Oak and managed to squeeze on to a train. But it wasn’t a very pleasant experience.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “During major works on the Gospel Oak to Stratford route, we have reduced the number of trains on the Gospel Oak to Barking line to accommodate freight services with which we must share the lines. 

“The freight trains have been diverted from the Gospel Oak to Stratford route.

“The situation will be relieved in June when we will be able to operate four trains per hour during the peaks. 

“Eight brand-new diesel trains will also come into service this year, providing extra capacity – from the current 198 passenger spaces, to approximately 232 passenger spaces.”