Public rights of way across stations [Discussion of the day (DotD) - 17.3.2020]

[whole diary]

[Marlburian]

Not a public right-of-way, but perhaps used by people not catching a train: yesterday evening I had to get from Bath Road in Reading to Oxford Road and "followed my nose". When I reached Tilehurst Road and the railway bridge, I noticed a path signposted "Reading West Station" and went down it. It led me on to the south end of the station platform, along which I walked the entire length, to exit at the north end onto Oxford Road, conveniently close to a bus stop.

[Oxonhutch]

I have heard it said - on here I believe - that there is a public right of way at Paddington from Praed Street through to Bishop's Road, and that this is why Platforms 8 and 9 are not barriered to accommodate this right.

[grahame]

I seem to recall waiting for a train at Fenny Stratford and seeing quite a number of people passing by ... whether a public right of way or something that has simply come into common use,  I know not.  From WikiPedia

The station can be accessed from both Watling Street (via steps at Stag bridge) and Simpson Road (which is at grade), to the east and west of the station respectively

[Reading General]

Not a public right-of-way, but perhaps used by people not catching a train: yesterday evening I had to get from Bath Road in Reading to Oxford Road and "followed my nose". When I reached Tilehurst Road and the railway bridge, I noticed a path signposted "Reading West Station" and went down it. It led me on to the south end of the station platform, along which I walked the entire length, to exit at the north end onto Oxford Road, conveniently close to a bus stop.

It's used by people to do all sorts that path

[Marlburian]

Looking at a street map when I got home, it did seem quite a direct route compared with using nearby streets.

[stuving]

Looking at a street map when I got home, it did seem quite a direct route compared with using nearby streets.

Depends where you're going, and whence. It is of course the (only) step-free access at RDW:

Step free access note
    Tilehust Road Station entrance - Step free access to Basingstoke / Newbury platform. 
    Oxford Road entrance - access to Reading platform via ramp (approx 1:9) and four steps.