02/11/2011 02:29 PM
Security fencing and steel gates could be better incorporated into the architecture of railway stations, an historian has suggested.
Speaking to Wales Online, John Minnis argued that modern stations lack the charm of Victorian structures that "heightened passengers' anticipation of journeys".
He was commenting on his new book, Britain's Lost Railways, which explores the nation's rail heritage.
Modern stations, he told the news provider, can suffer from being "a collection of massive unrelated structures – heavy poles carrying CCTV cameras, large mirrors, tall lamp standards, clunky security fencing".
Despite his concerns, railways stations are increasingly relying on security fencing and metal gates to deter thieves who cause disruption to people's journeys.
Rising copper prices have made the metal a target for criminals keen to make a profit.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, recently urged railway operators to invest in more security measures to deter thieves.
Speaking to Wales Online, John Minnis argued that modern stations lack the charm of Victorian structures that "heightened passengers' anticipation of journeys".
He was commenting on his new book, Britain's Lost Railways, which explores the nation's rail heritage.
Modern stations, he told the news provider, can suffer from being "a collection of massive unrelated structures – heavy poles carrying CCTV cameras, large mirrors, tall lamp standards, clunky security fencing".
Despite his concerns, railways stations are increasingly relying on security fencing and metal gates to deter thieves who cause disruption to people's journeys.
Rising copper prices have made the metal a target for criminals keen to make a profit.
Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, recently urged railway operators to invest in more security measures to deter thieves.
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