UK and West Midlands Aluminium Extrusion Company is leading the way in passenger safety on metro systems

Bromyard-based Holden Aluminium Technologies Ltd. has become one of the leading component companies for the manufacture of platform screens and is helping to lead the way in passenger safety across the world.

The company has recently won a major contract from Stuart Fraser to supply component parts for the installation of platform screens on the metro systems in central France. Such has been the demand for parts that HAT have recently installed another new Italmac Zeus 7000 five axis CNC machine centre which offers capacity in excess of 7 meters in length. With this machine HAT carry out the machining of aluminium extrusions that create the structure, doors and frames for the screens.

According to HAT's Executive Vice Chairman Jeremy Holden , metro operators are increasingly looking at ways of improving passenger safety and security and in light of recent world events, building contractors are now installing platform screens on new lines as well as extensions to existing lines across Europe and the rest of the world.

"Recent reports indicate that for the passenger, screen doors provide a cleaner, safer and less stressful way to board and leave trains. Air turbulence is reduced on the platform as trains enter and leave stations. As well as creating a barrier between passengers on the platform and the train and track, they also make platforms look more attractive, quieter and cleaner and help to regulate climate control."

"For the driver screen doors allow the possibility of approaching a station at a higher speed in the knowledge that the line will be clear. Pulling away is also trouble free as there is nothing to obstruct the doors. This allows operator  to maintain schedules and allows passengers to enter and exit trains in a more orderly way."

"Finally for the metro operator platform screens help to increase passenger flows helping them maintain schedules leading to greater efficiency" says Jeremy.

It is unlikely for the foreseeable future that there will be a large widespread increase in the use of platform screens in the UK. Despite their use on the Jubilee Line, Transport for London has no present plans to increase their use on London Underground. The cost and disruption to the lines as well as the Victorian architecture would not make the installation of platform screens to existing stations viable. This is not to say however that in the future if new modern lines are built and as operators look to find new ways of improving passenger safety and security, platform screens will become more commonplace in the UK.