zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Stations zz Showing the way As an expert in high quality signage, Stocksigns is assisting the rail industry in its DDA compliance drive
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ver the last 55 years, Stocksigns has grown to become the UK’s leading supplier of high quality signage, and an expert in industries from rail, and aggregate and quarry, to care homes and education. Having started life producing health and safety signs, Stocksigns now boasts the most comprehensive range of hazard and safety signs on the market, as well as undertaking general and bespoke signage requirements. “We can essentially cover signage needs from the first shovel in the ground on a site to the plaque at the end when they cut the ribbon,” enthuses Gavin Wilding, rail sales manager at Stocksigns. “As well as our own capabilities as Stocksigns, we can work in partnership with our sister companies Messagemaker Displays, which produces rolling LED displays, and First Call Signs, which specialises in construction compliance and health and safety signage, to provide a complete package.” Stocksigns prides itself on meeting full signage requirements in terms of both materials, and printing methods with in-house digital and silkscreen print capabilities. “A lot of signage is either aluminium or plastic, which is printed and sealed off with a protective overlay film. Whereas, vitreous enamel is essentially fused glass on steel, which means it offers great UV and anti-fade properties, and easy removal of dirt and graffiti. This longevity means it is favoured by Transport for London (TfL) and a number of train operating companies (TOCs),” explains Gavin. The company’s experience in the rail and transport markets means it is able to assist clients in material selection, and placement of the signage on site to ensure that it is not only effective in its task, but also doesn’t conflict with CCTV or signalling on the network. One of the areas that Stocksigns is currently assisting the industry in is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) or Step Free Access (SFA) legislation through the supply of DDA compliant signs in a train operator’s correct branding. These signs can bear directions,
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warnings, names and advertising to help guide customers on their journey and in finding the best route through the station. In terms of other recent projects in the rail sector, Gavin highlights: “Over the last five months we have been working on a programme to re-sign 13 former Network Rail controlled stations for London Underground. These stations all had temporary signage in place, which we are now converting to proper London Underground specification signage. As old British Rail stations, it had been a challenge to incorporate these designs, but we are pleased with the way the project has been executed and the final look of the stations.” Going forward, Stocksigns’ strategy of embracing its diversity in all parts of the business, means that all signs point towards the company remaining at the forefront of signage supply to the transport industry for years to come. zz
Stocksigns Tel: +44 (0) 1737 774077 Email: surfacerail@stocksigns.co.uk Web: www.stocksigns.co.uk