The man behind the reassuring voice of the London Underground has passed away. Phil Sayer, 62, whose voice was heard daily on the capital’s tube network, died on Thursday from cancer. His wife, Elinor Hamilton, made the announcement on Facebook writing: “Phil Sayer – voice of reason, radio, and railways. A dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We are sorry to announce that this service terminates here.”
Sayer told the BBC in 2007 that as a result of his voice being on most of the automated PA systems on railway stations across the UK, he was heard saying ‘sorry…’ quite a lot.
Reminding us to watch our feet is no reason to apologise! The mind the gap announcement was introduced in 1968 after it became impractical for drivers and station attendants to warn passengers. The warning was also painted on the edge of the platforms.
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