‘The blind will lose out’ if Waterloo ditches Tannoy
Waterloo is planning to become the first major London rail terminus to switch off its Tannoy, following complaints from passengers and locals that it is making the station too noisy.
The decision to silence the announcements comes two years after South West Trains spent almost £3million on a new 90-decibel system, comprising 1,000 speakers, which it said would deliver "better and clearer" information.
The move has angered accessibility campaigners, with one charity for the blind saying it would result in loss of independence for those it represents.
South West Trains has told passenger groups it is suspending the audio announcements of train information for a two-week trial from October 6.
The only exception will be a message every 10 minutes targeted at blind and partially sighted passengers, followed by a security message. The Standard understands they will be told: "Visually impaired people please seek assistance from travel information points."
The Royal National Institute for the Blind has asked South West Trains to scrap the proposal. Fazilet Hadi, director of engagement at RNIB, said: "Any proposal to turn off announcements is wholly unacceptable.
"Forcing people to seek assistance from travel information points takes away independence and can make journeys harder than they need to be."
London Assembly transport committee chair, Liberal Democrat Caroline Pidgeon said: "This is one of the most absurd decisions by a train company I have ever come across. Visual and audible announcements are vital... and it would be a scandal if such an important station as Waterloo was made inaccessible to any of its passengers."
A spokeswoman for the South West Trains/Network Rail Alliance said: "We've been engaging with a range of passenger representatives and local residents about London Waterloo station announcements.
"We understand the diverse needs of customers using our network and are committed to ensuring they can continue to easily access our services."