Dear all,
Below is the text of a reply I have had from Transport for London. Still subject to a final decision from Southern but things looking more hopeful for keeping the downside exit open. I have written to try and find out the outcome of the meeting on 16th (today).
Dear Tom
Thank you for your email addressed to the Mayor in regards to the installation of the Oyster machines and barriers at Forest Hill station. I have been asked to respond on the Mayor?s behalf and I am sorry for the delay in responding to you.
Transport for London (TfL) is funding gates to be installed on the stations south of New Cross Gate. These stations are to become part of London Overground in 2009.
The design for gates on the downside at Forest Hill was rejected by Southern's Safety Department as they felt that customers could be queuing to leave the platform and be placed in an unsafe position as they would be bunching around the gateline.
Southern therefore proposed to close the gate on the downside except for the period of the evening peak when it would be manned by Revenue Protection Staff.
Following a site visit on 4th April we are developing an alternative location for the downside gateline which will be positioned at the base of the stairs. Southern are currently working up this proposal and checking to see who the area of land belongs too with a view to moving it into the lease area of the station. This is to be followed up with Southern on Wednesday 16th April.
Given the additional building work that will be required there may need to be a two staged process for the station where the original gating solution is introduced followed by the building of the downside gateline at road level, before the completed gating solution is open.
I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. Please feel free to contact me should there be any future queries.
Kind regards
Kadine Brown
Transport for London
Central Customer Services