Huge advertisement boards are finally to be shut down at Euston Station after passengers complained of ‘poor and unsafe’ experiences.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has ordered the screens, which wrap around the walls, to be shut down while a five-point plan to improve the station is carried out.
Passengers have claimed the station is a danger during rush hour and disruption.
London TravelWatch said in a statement ‘last minute announcements’ mean people rush to platforms, and staff ‘appear overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people.’
Information boards also appear tiny compared to the large advertisements, making it difficult for people to find their train times and platforms.
Network rail said a ‘major reconstruction’ is needed to meet current demands.
But they added they will change how ‘passengers are invited to board services’ and will try alleviate pinch-points during busy periods.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: ‘For too long, Euston station simply hasn’t been good enough for passengers.
‘That’s why I’ve tasked Network Rail with coming up with a clear plan to immediately improve conditions for passengers. This includes a shutdown of the advertising boards from today to review their use.
‘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.’
In September last year, regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) issued an improvement notice to Network Rail in relation to the station, accusing the Government-owned company of failing to prevent safety risks from ‘unacceptable’ overcrowding.
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