On Monday I was invited to the new platform extension at Lancing station. Gone are the days of 8 coach westbound trains overhanging the level crossing causing extended delays with the barriers down. The extension will be in service from next month and has been put in place in record quick time. From commission and design through to completion it took just 4 months and is entirely a UK product having been made in Scotland, Yorkshire and Cambridge.
Added to this it is made out of polystyrene too which gives a little bit of bounce to the surface but otherwise you would never know. With this design becoming more popular it is likely that in future it will involve recycled polystyrene as well. If only all Network Rail projects could be turned around as quickly and efficiently.
I took the opportunity to tackle the managers from Network Rail and Southern at the event about the possibility of installing timer displays at the level crossings we have in Shoreham, Lancing and Worthing especially which cause so much disruption to traffic and pedestrians alike. In Shoreham at peak time the barrier can be down for as much as 45 minutes in an hour and I also mentioned the ongoing battle to reopen the footpath under the track so that pedestrians at least do not have to waste their time.
Traffic lights increasingly have a countdown display to show people how long lights will be red; digital displays at bus stops indicate how long until the next bus and the technology is used in certain countries to show how long the barriers will be down. That enables drivers to take an alternative route or at least switch off their engine to stop polluting the air if they know that the wait will be longer than just a minute or 2. Local Councils have offered to put some of the money up if Network Rail makes it possible so I will keep everyone posted.
In any case it looks as though traditional commuting use of trains will change once the pandemic is over. GTR are predicting that only a third of commuters will continue to travel to work in London full time, a third will increasingly work from home and a third will work half and half. That would have a significant impact on train volume, and you might actually be able to get a seat all the way.
This week the Invicta Summer Academy which offers free holiday catch up classes for children in English and maths opened to pupils in Sussex started. I was delighted to link up with MP colleagues to extend this great initiative across the border to Sussex from where it started in Kent and thousands of young people have already benefitted. It is on until the end of the month and you can find details of how to join on my Facebook page.
