Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Summer 2026 - rail travels in Europe In "Introductions and chat" [374945/32001/1] Posted by grahame at 05:34, 9th May 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad |      |
I'm off ... my long continuous pass from last year's Black Friday sale activated for an initial journey from Schiedam Central to Vlissingen, and as I go I'll be writing - where appropriate sharing here. In recent (err - 20!) years I have been an advocate for rail travel and in my retirement I have had the pleasure of donating more of my time to seeing how other do it, and to making suggestions for improvements / changes which (very) occasionally have resulted in small changes that have made a big difference. And also - very happy to answer questions that share my love of travel and of sustainable public transport development in my home area.
In past years, I have posted for Interrail Users my initial views of towns along the way, and given a flavour so that others can decide whether or not they wish to stop there, and more rail-oriented stuff on the Coffee Shop. "In about an hour" I have said in previous years, but yesterday I allowed myself three hours in Vlissingen, having arrived into the Netherlands on the ferry from Harwich and only headed for Antwerp on the first day.
Fears of long queues at passport control arriving into the EU have been overstated - or perhaps I was just lucky. Three minutes ... and transfer to the Rotterdam Metro to Schiedam. Swiped in and out on a credit card; gone are the days of long distance / international trains from the ferry ports. At least on the Harwich route there isn't the dreaded bus-onto-ship scenario.
I have seen Vlissingen on the map, and trains headed there before - but never been. A wonderful breath of fresh air and a lovely town to look around. Be aware that if you're carrying your luggage - even if light - it's a fair step from the station, and I would not want to do it in inclement weather. An hour would not have been enough - and indeed I had allowed three. As seems far too frequent, memories of wartimes across Europe in the past. Of course we should and do remember; let's hope that these horrors don't return to our shores - but I will admit to sometimes despair. Anyway - then onwards to Antwerp.
Dutch trains comfortable, reasonable fast and clean. The Belgian train that sticks its nose into The Netherlands and is "International" is basic, all stations, and externally about the filthiest I had ever seen. It's supposed to call at Antwerp Centraal but didn't - it took the freight bypass and dropped us all off at an overcrowded Antwerp Berchem where, it seems, almost everyone got off and transferred through the narrow subway to a train headed back into Central which is where they all really wanted to go.
| Re: Advance fares - hardly the most robust offering In "Fare's Fair" [374944/31978/4] Posted by grahame at 04:10, 9th May 2026 | |
Looking at the same journey next week, on the GWR website and elsewhere, it seems to default to connecting you onto the 17:12 from Swindon and giving you the wait at Stratford instead.
That suggests very much to me that it was quota related on the day you travelled and that the quota for advance tickets on the 17:12 had been reached, but there was availability on the 18:04, which, as it meets minimum connection times, was suggested instead.
That suggests very much to me that it was quota related on the day you travelled and that the quota for advance tickets on the 17:12 had been reached, but there was availability on the 18:04, which, as it meets minimum connection times, was suggested instead.
It could be ... but with so much "intelligence" built into system algorithms these days on top of a fare system which is complex and opaque, it's very hard indeed to know - just having to guess based on the evidence provided and be aware to take a special look each time the journey is made.
Arriving in Hoek van Holland and taking the Rotterdam Metro into Schiedam Central, I noted that a sign in English that all I had to do was swipe in with a credit card/ debit card and swipe out again at the other end - no physical ticket needed. Now I'm naturally enquiring and careful by took a quick decision that, yes, I would do that and such is becoming much more prevalent.
But would I have swiped in at Melksham and out again at Harwich International without knowing the amount charged up front? Hell no - I don't trust the system to give me the best (or even a decent, or appropriate) deal, and in any case where it's "per train" how is it going to know which train you were on, or how are you to know which is today's best value train?
| Re: Advance fares - hardly the most robust offering In "Fare's Fair" [374943/31978/4] Posted by IndustryInsider at 01:20, 9th May 2026 | |
Good price - but - WHY sell me a ticket that has me waiting nearly an hour at Swindon, then is followed by tight changes at Paddington and Stratford? Would it not be logical to offer an earlier train into Paddington
Could the advance ticket quotas have sold out at the good price on the earlier trains?
Maybe ... but the GWR website [new] journey planner didn't offer any alternatives at any price. I suspect that with a less frequent service at both ends of the journey, it skewed it towards the later trains in "the middle".
Looking at the same journey next week, on the GWR website and elsewhere, it seems to default to connecting you onto the 17:12 from Swindon and giving you the wait at Stratford instead.
That suggests very much to me that it was quota related on the day you travelled and that the quota for advance tickets on the 17:12 had been reached, but there was availability on the 18:04, which, as it meets minimum connection times, was suggested instead.
| Re: Harrow & Wealdstone 8th October 1952 & Nursing Lieutenant Abbie Sweetwine. In "Railway History and related topics" [374942/25546/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:44, 8th May 2026 | |
Again, not any particular anniversary, just a topic I stumbled across on YouTube: see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8sUo2m3V40 (37 minutes).
| Re: Difficulty of booking international rail tickets In "Fare's Fair" [374941/31906/4] Posted by LiskeardRich at 22:42, 8th May 2026 | |
I found using Omio app the easiest and most clear location for searching European transport for my recent exploration of Europe.
I then went direct to the advertised providers website to book direct. I had no issues finding any of my desired journeys on the Omio app, but found operator websites hard to navigate in the planning stage.
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374937/31999/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:01, 8th May 2026 Already liked by IndustryInsider, eightonedee | |
No.
Other than that we will be able to blame the Government, rather than private shareholder's expectations, for the ongoing woeful performance.
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374936/31999/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:55, 8th May 2026 | |
(Asking more in hope than expectation) - can anyone tell me how this, and GBR in general, will result in a better experience for customers?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374935/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:08, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Hopefully no-one's been for a pint!
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374934/31999/26] Posted by ChrisB at 20:36, 8th May 2026 | |
That's this....
From
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/great-british-railways
Govia Thameslink Railways’ services will be next to transfer on 31 May 2026, followed by Chiltern Railways’ services on 20 September 2026 and Great Western Railway’s services on 13 December 2026.
And this bit:
Chiltern Railways' services and Great Western Railway's services will transfer into public ownership on 20 September 2026 and 13 December 2026, respectively.
is marked on that page as an update made today. | Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374933/31999/26] Posted by John D at 20:27, 8th May 2026 | |
Even more official than BBC is Government announcement
Last updated 8 May 2026 ‐ hide all updates
8 May 2026
Chiltern Railways' services and Great Western Railway's services will transfer into public ownership on 20 September 2026 and 13 December 2026, respectively.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/great-british-railways#full-publication-update-history
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374932/31999/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:50, 8th May 2026 | |
It's official - now, on the BBC
:Major train operator to be renationalised in months
Great Western Railway runs services between London, the south-west of England and South Wales - Image © Great Western Railway
The rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) is to be renationalised in a "significant" move for trains in the West of England, the government has confirmed.
GWR, based in Swindon, runs services linking London to the south-west of England and South Wales. It will come back under public ownership on 13 December.
A spokesperson for the operator said they welcomed the clarity provided by the announcement and would continue to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT described the move as a "significant moment", adding it would place passengers, rather than shareholders, "at the heart of our railways".
GWR's services, which run from Taunton, Bristol, Gloucester and other major stations across the West and South Wales, will come under the control of the government's new Great British Railways organisation.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority, welcomed the news. "We deserve four trains an hour at stations across our growing regional rail network," she said, adding: "We'll continue working with partners to deliver the infrastructure needed to make that ambition a reality."
GWR has been running trains across the south-west of England for 20 years. The line it uses was built between Bristol and London by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1841.
Several rail operators are already publicly owned, including Greater Anglia and South Western Railway.
New stations have opened in recent years, like Ashley Down in Bristol - Image © Great Western Railway
Rail services in Wales were nationalised in 2021 and Scotland took trains into public ownership the following year.
The GWR spokesperson said: "Throughout this process, our priority will be maintaining a punctual, reliable service for customers while continuing to support regional growth and connectivity across our network."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander warned last year that renationalising train services would not necessarily result in lower fares. The focus will instead be on improving services and infrastructure.
Great Western Railway runs services between London, the south-west of England and South Wales - Image © Great Western Railway
The rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) is to be renationalised in a "significant" move for trains in the West of England, the government has confirmed.
GWR, based in Swindon, runs services linking London to the south-west of England and South Wales. It will come back under public ownership on 13 December.
A spokesperson for the operator said they welcomed the clarity provided by the announcement and would continue to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT described the move as a "significant moment", adding it would place passengers, rather than shareholders, "at the heart of our railways".
GWR's services, which run from Taunton, Bristol, Gloucester and other major stations across the West and South Wales, will come under the control of the government's new Great British Railways organisation.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority, welcomed the news. "We deserve four trains an hour at stations across our growing regional rail network," she said, adding: "We'll continue working with partners to deliver the infrastructure needed to make that ambition a reality."
GWR has been running trains across the south-west of England for 20 years. The line it uses was built between Bristol and London by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1841.
Several rail operators are already publicly owned, including Greater Anglia and South Western Railway.
New stations have opened in recent years, like Ashley Down in Bristol - Image © Great Western Railway
Rail services in Wales were nationalised in 2021 and Scotland took trains into public ownership the following year.
The GWR spokesperson said: "Throughout this process, our priority will be maintaining a punctual, reliable service for customers while continuing to support regional growth and connectivity across our network."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander warned last year that renationalising train services would not necessarily result in lower fares. The focus will instead be on improving services and infrastructure.
| Re: Outage of Coffee Shop this afternoon, 7.5.2026 In "News, Help and Assistance" [374931/31996/29] Posted by grahame at 19:28, 8th May 2026 | |
It would appear that the company who hosts the server had been unable to collect their monthly fee ... don't know why, perhaps a glitch somewhere;
Bit of a long shot, but I know Halifax are changing their credit cards from Mastercard to Visa and any Continuous Payment Authorities may need updating with the new details. I believe if the card scheme stays the same (e.g. an expiring Visa card is replaced with another Visa card) companies can use Visa Updater (or the Mastercard equivalent) to get the new details (so not the case here).Good thought ... but not that. I suspect I know and should make a diary note to check every month as it's the second time it has happened. Which did at least help me to know what to look for.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374930/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 19:19, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374929/31999/26] Posted by ChrisB at 19:07, 8th May 2026 | |
Indeed, this afternoon, after all staff were informed first.
That social media tip-off emanated from a staff member this morning.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374928/31359/18] Posted by Mark A at 19:06, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
| Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374927/31999/26] Posted by stuving at 18:09, 8th May 2026 | |
From
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/great-british-railways
Govia Thameslink Railways’ services will be next to transfer on 31 May 2026, followed by Chiltern Railways’ services on 20 September 2026 and Great Western Railway’s services on 13 December 2026.
And this bit:
Chiltern Railways' services and Great Western Railway's services will transfer into public ownership on 20 September 2026 and 13 December 2026, respectively.
is marked on that page as an update made today. | Re: 13th December 2026 - Great Western returns to public ownership In "Across the West" [374926/31999/26] Posted by bradshaw at 18:06, 8th May 2026 | |
From
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/great-british-railways
Govia Thameslink Railways’ services will be next to transfer on 31 May 2026, followed by Chiltern Railways’ services on 20 September 2026 and Great Western Railway’s services on 13 December 2026.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374925/31359/18] Posted by John D at 17:43, 8th May 2026 | |
It is Limpley Stoke.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
I'm suspecting that all these impacts are happening on the west side of this bridge. Driving that road this morning and thinking 'Bridge strike location coming up', the impression was that the associated signage isn't brilliant. No indication before the turn off the A36, then an advisory on the height restriction 3/4 mile ahead - said notice among others and in a busy part of the road immediately after the turn off the A36... and then nothing apart from a couple of 'Give way' signs before the bend in the road before the at that point invisible bridge itself, it being approached via and concealed by the left hand bend immediately before it. The signage has plenty of opportunity to hide in foliage / be inconspicuous in bright sunlight. None of which is an acceptable reason for driving into the bridge of course, even the road alignment is screaming 'Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear'.
Mark
Whatever the failure of advance signage on A36 (trunk road so Highways Authority) than doesn't advise large vehicles.
Or Banes Council (the advance sign you saw, but at bottom of lots of info just before bend and narrow bridge so easily missed.
Or Wiltshire Council (road has boundary at that narrow bridge) where there is no advance signage.
But real problem is Network Rail, they have allowed vegetation to grow unchecked on former Cameron branch trackbed which dangles over the road obscuring the signs on the bridge itself. Of course as they own the strip of land alongside the road they could erect warning signs on their land saying low bridge facing the road, but have chosen not to.
| Re: Manvers Street, Bath, disrupted for reconstruction works for 6 months from May. In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374924/31887/5] Posted by Mark A at 17:18, 8th May 2026 | |
Asked about arrangements for the Manvers Street closure - the First bus chap who roves the concourse at the bus station knowledgeable on Faresaver's arrangements and the other road closure that's prompted that period of turning the buses round after the Hilton Hotel stop at the city end of Walcot Street. However, he said that First had put nothing out about this yet (and sure enough the board at one end of the bus station that carries paper based service change notices was blank).
On the good side, replacement seating throughout the bus station, including the missing stuff.
Awaiting a bus, it can be said that the advertising tombstones *within* the bus station are a bit of a disaster - apart from being generally in the way - as from some of the seats they block the view of the nearest bus bay making it difficult for seated passengers to see if their bus is ready for boarding. Photo below shows the whole of Bay 3, anticipating the departure of the good ole' Stagecoach 620 to Stroud, the view of said bus obstructed by Gregg's advertisers having chucked a chicken roll in the way.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374923/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:23, 8th May 2026 | |
The 12:17 from Westbury to Swindon ran and is now sat in the bay at Swindon awaiting its next working.
Quoting the full report as it is at the moment on JourneyCheck. Whilst we can say "wouldn't it br nice if" to some aspects, this is streets ahead of what's happened on so many prior occasions.
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham
Following a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today between Bath Spa and Trowbridge the line towards Bath Spa has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 17:30 08/05.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
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What are we doing about it?
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Trains are currently only running from Trowbridge to Chippenham via Melksham.
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Trains that would normally run along that route have been diverted along the route through Melksham, which means we had to suspend our timetabled services between Swindon and Westbury, in both directions for a time. These services will shortly be running again.
-
What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Replacement transport in the form of a taxi will transport passengers from Melksham to Chippenham for the 16:39 service.
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Where possible the diverted trains will make additional stops at Melksham and Chippenham, these will be advertised in journey planners once confirmed.
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You can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the local Faresaver bus route X34 between Chippenham (Bus Station, Bay 6), Melksham (McDonalds, a 10 minute walk from the station), Trowbridge (Trinity Church, a short walk from the station). Just show your train ticket to the bus driver. You can find bus times at www.faresaver.co.uk/current-timetables/
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Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
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For more information:
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Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
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Let us help you:
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If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
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Last Updated:08/05/2026 16:09
Following a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today between Bath Spa and Trowbridge the line towards Bath Spa has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 17:30 08/05.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
Trains are currently only running from Trowbridge to Chippenham via Melksham.
-
Trains that would normally run along that route have been diverted along the route through Melksham, which means we had to suspend our timetabled services between Swindon and Westbury, in both directions for a time. These services will shortly be running again.
-
What are your options?
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
-
Replacement transport in the form of a taxi will transport passengers from Melksham to Chippenham for the 16:39 service.
-
Where possible the diverted trains will make additional stops at Melksham and Chippenham, these will be advertised in journey planners once confirmed.
-
You can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the local Faresaver bus route X34 between Chippenham (Bus Station, Bay 6), Melksham (McDonalds, a 10 minute walk from the station), Trowbridge (Trinity Church, a short walk from the station). Just show your train ticket to the bus driver. You can find bus times at www.faresaver.co.uk/current-timetables/
-
Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
-
For more information:
-
Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
-
Let us help you:
-
If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
-
Delay Repay:
-
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
-
Last Updated:08/05/2026 16:09
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374922/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 16:20, 8th May 2026 | |
The 12:17 from Westbury to Swindon ran and is now sat in the bay at Swindon awaiting its next working.
Looks like that unit is now going to work the 17:35 to Westbury.
| Re: Advance fares - hardly the most robust offering In "Fare's Fair" [374921/31978/4] Posted by ChrisB at 15:38, 8th May 2026 | |
Yes, this is so.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374920/31359/18] Posted by Mark A at 15:32, 8th May 2026 | |
It is Limpley Stoke.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
I'm suspecting that all these impacts are happening on the west side of this bridge. Driving that road this morning and thinking 'Bridge strike location coming up', the impression was that the associated signage isn't brilliant. No indication before the turn off the A36, then an advisory on the height restriction 3/4 mile ahead - said notice among others and in a busy part of the road immediately after the turn off the A36... and then nothing apart from a couple of 'Give way' signs before the bend in the road before the at that point invisible bridge itself, it being approached via and concealed by the left hand bend immediately before it. The signage has plenty of opportunity to hide in foliage / be inconspicuous in bright sunlight. None of which is an acceptable reason for driving into the bridge of course, even the road alignment is screaming 'Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear'.
Mark
| Re: Difficulty of booking international rail tickets In "Fare's Fair" [374919/31906/4] Posted by rogerw at 15:28, 8th May 2026 | |
My understanding is that this ceased many years ago. Well before COVID
| Lewisham rail disaster - 90 dead - 4 December 1957 In "Railway History and related topics" [374918/32000/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:32, 8th May 2026 | |
It's not an anniversary, or anything, other than a post I happened to stumble across on YouTube. However, we have referred to the sad incident previously elsewhere, here on the Coffee Shop forum.
This is a very good coverage of that tragic incident, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byf0V1oEUpM (37 minutes).
CfN.
| Re: On tour, May 2026, Grahame In "The Lighter Side" [374917/31997/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:38, 8th May 2026 | |
Definitely not Taunton.
Netherlands?
| Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025 In "London to Kennet Valley" [374916/30033/8] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:32, 8th May 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Thanks for that update here, hoover50.
CfN.
