Reading train station: Dozens injured on escalators

Network Rail blamed user error for the injuries

Extra safety measures have been put in place at Reading train station after dozens of injuries on escalators.

Two passengers suffered dislocated shoulders while others sustained cuts and bruises between 1 April 2013 and 6 July this year.

During that period, 138 people were injured, with 37 taken to hospital.

Network Rail said it had installed "hold the handrail" signs and yellow signage, and was trialling a "virtual presenter" to give audio messages.

The Queen officially opened the revamped station last year

The injuries, details of which were released to BBC Radio Berkshire, came amid a major redevelopment of the station in which an additional 17 escalators were installed.

Passenger Derek Cox was hurt in a fall on an escalator earlier this year.

He said: "I'm not quite sure how it happened, I basically head butted an edge of one of the steps which was fairly painful."

He believed a factor may have been because the escalator, which was operating slowly as it was not in use, sped up as he approached.

Network Rail blamed user error for the injuries and said investigations found no incidents were caused by faulty escalators.

A spokesperson added: "We will continue to monitor the number of incidents and will investigate the use of further safety initiatives if appropriate."