Screening out distractions

Giant advertising screens which dwarfed passenger information notices have been ordered to be removed from London’s Euston station. The massive billboard was brought in to replace the station’s departure boards in January, meaning train information had to be moved to smaller screens.

But the switch led to complaints about the giant signage being too distracting for passengers looking for details about their journeys and forcing them to search the station for the smaller boards. Overcrowding issues have also been a problem with travellers only getting platform information at the last minute.

Operators Network Rail have now been ordered to shut down the 15m x 4m screens as part of a review by UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh. A five-point plan has been launched to improve the station’s operation, which includes examining how passengers are provided with information.

Ms Haigh said: “For too long, Euston station hasn’t been good enough for passengers. We know Euston needs a permanent solution and are working hard to agree this, but these immediate steps will help to alleviate some of the issues the station has been facing.”