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| Design of vinyl sticker covering for Liverpool Street station © TfL |
Transport for London (TfL) has introduced an initiative to address the issue of ‘ghost marks’ or ‘shadows’ appearing on the walls behind seating areas at the central tunnel stations of the Elizabeth Line. These marks, which occur over time from passengers leaning against the walls, contribute to damage to the paintwork. In response, TfL is trialing vinyl sticker designs to help address the issue.
Addressing the Issue
The marks not only detract from the stations' visual appeal but also contribute to increased maintenance costs. To mitigate this, TfL is testing vinyl sticker designs behind the seating areas. The vinyl coverings are intended to reduce dirt accumulation and make cleaning more efficient. The use of durable, easy-to-clean materials aims to minimize the impact of these ghost marks while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the stations.
Vinyl Coverings and Designs
The vinyl coverings feature various designs, including moquette patterns and silhouette designs of seated passengers. These designs integrate with the existing décor of the Elizabeth Line while providing a functional purpose. Additionally, the updated versions of the Elizabeth Line’s moquette help protect the walls behind the seating areas, blending practicality with design.
TfL has made detailed design files available, including technical specifications, dimensions, and materials used. These documents, found in TfL’s disclosure log under reference FOI-4119-2425, demonstrate TfL’s commitment to transparency.
Product Specifications: Polar® Grip and Interlam™ Pro Emerytex®
For the vinyl coverings, TfL has selected specific materials that offer both durability and flexibility. One of the key materials used is Polar® Grip, a premium white polymeric self-adhesive PVC film. Polar® Grip is 3.2 mil (80μ) thick and features a high coat weight, permanent, pressure-sensitive grey acrylic adhesive. The film is protected by a 90# poly-coated kraft release liner. Polar® Grip’s aggressive adhesive makes it ideal for graphic applications where high bond adhesion and flexibility are desired. This product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Additionally, TfL uses Interlam™ Pro Emerytex®, a 4 mil (100μ) monomeric PVC laminating film with a matte pebble-textured finish. It is coated on one side with a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive and protected by a PE-coated, siliconized kraft release liner. This laminating film is designed for use with floor graphics and has several certifications that make it ideal for high-traffic areas. It meets various slip-resistance standards, including R 11 (DIN 51130:2010) and ANSI B101.3.
Purpose and Rationale Behind the Initiative
The goal of this initiative is to reduce dirt accumulation and preserve the appearance of the central tunnel stations. The vinyl coverings are part of a broader effort to improve cleanliness and maintenance in public spaces. A short-term trial conducted in December 2023 at Liverpool Street station tested the cleaning performance and material adhesion of these vinyl coverings, helping inform the decision to expand the trial to other stations.
The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of the vinyl coverings in preventing ghost marks without compromising the station’s design or function. The effectiveness and durability of the vinyl coverings will be monitored over the next 6–12 months, with evaluations scheduled throughout the trial period.
Cost Breakdown
The total cost for the design, manufacture, and installation of the vinyl seat graphics across 80 benches in the central section of the Elizabeth Line is £30,920 plus VAT. With the VAT rate in the UK being 20%, the total cost, including VAT, amounts to £37,104. This figure includes the costs for production, installation, and the ongoing evaluation of the vinyl coverings.
Installation Process
The installation of the vinyl stickers follows a precise method to ensure proper placement and adhesion. The process begins with lining up and positioning the graphic above each seat. Once the desired position is confirmed, the graphic is temporarily fixed into place using masking tape. The area is cleaned to remove any dirt or raised areas, and the backing paper is then removed from the vinyl. The vinyl is gradually pressed firmly against the surface, ensuring a smooth application. Once all four seats are completed per bench, the installation team photographs the finished result for documentation.
The installation requires specific safety and qualification measures, including high-visibility clothing, boots, gloves, and hand tools. Operatives must be Sentinel approved, with PASMA and SSSTS certifications.
Conclusion
TfL’s initiative to trial vinyl sticker designs behind the seating areas at the central tunnel stations of the Elizabeth Line presents a practical solution to address the issue of ghost marks. The use of durable, high-quality vinyl materials, such as Polar® Grip and Interlam™ Pro Emerytex®, not only aims to reduce maintenance costs but also ensures the aesthetic integrity of the stations is preserved. As the trial continues, TfL will evaluate the effectiveness of these solutions, with the possibility of expanding the project to more stations across the network.
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