HAPPY to get the hump – that s the verdict of St Albans Abbey Station users who welcomed the introduction of a pioneering innovation this week designed to make passengers lives easier. The new raised platform area helps bridge the gap between the platfor

HAPPY to get the hump - that's the verdict of St Albans Abbey Station users who welcomed the introduction of a pioneering innovation this week designed to make passengers' lives easier.

The new raised platform area helps bridge the gap between the platform and trains. It was designed and installed by Network Rail, working with Herts County Council, the Department for Transport and train operator London Midland.

St Albans Mayor Cllr Chris Oxley, MP Anne Main and County Cllr Stuart Pile were there to witness the launch.

Cllr Pile said: "I'm pleased that this new hump will help passengers who have trouble with the large step, whether they are travelling with push chairs, luggage or they have mobility issues."

St Albans Abbey becomes only the second station in the country to get a modular easier access area - otherwise known as a "Harrington Hump" after the station in Cumbria where a successful trial of the new system took place earlier this year.

Low platforms are a typical problem for rural stations, such as St Albans Abbey, which are served by a relatively small number of trains but are regarded as the lifeblood of the community. Unfortunately, finding a quarter of a million pounds to rebuild an entire platform simply cannot be justified in most cases. Now, thanks to the development of the Harrington Hump, it can be done for as little as a tenth of the cost, making it much more affordable.