Mind The Gap: The London Underground Announcement in Popular Culture

'Mind The Gap' is an announcement you'll hear in the London Underground subway system when a train arrives at a station.

More than just a warning about the 'gap' between a carriage and the platform, it's a phrase that has entered popular culture and become synonymous with London.

The phrase originated on the Northern Line, where the gaps between the curved train platforms at Embankment Station and the train itself were particularly large.

The biggest gaps to mind today are at Bank Station on the Central line and at Waterloo Station on the Bakerloo line. Historically, Tibe-builders had to build their railways beneath public roads, so sharp curves were required at some points. Allegedly, the slightly-off-putting gap at Bank is so large because the tunnel diggers had to swerve to miss the Bank of England's vaults.

The Recorded Announcement

The stern, shouting, male voice announcement for 'Mind the Gap' is being phased out. The female voice for the recorded announcement is nicknamed 'Sonia' by tube drivers, because her voice 'gets on yer nerves.’ Apparently, 'Sonia' is thought to be a bit too posh in some circles. In recent tests somebody mimicking the voice of Marilyn Monroe proved to be a favourite.

An article published in London's Evening Standard newspaper reported on Miss Mind The Gap - 31-year-old Emma Clarke. Her voice is used on announcements for three tube lines. She says:

"What I have done for the Underground is not something I tend to brag about. When I am on the Tube myself I just want to punch the person who is telling me there is a mechanical fault when you have been stuck in the dark for five minutes."

A Photographic Study

Mind the Gap was the name chosen for a pictorial book by Simon James. As well as the excellent, often quirky pictures of the London Underground, this book also features a commentary on the stations at the end of Tube lines. In the book's foreword, Michael Palin – comedian and campaigner for better public transport  - writes:

"Mind the Gap, perhaps the most famous phrase associated with the London Underground, must surely have the creators of the system spinning in their graves. It's an acknowledgement that the thing doesn't quite work. That however fast and frequent the service, however comprehensive the network, the trains don't always fit the platforms. There's not much in it - but enough to warrant painted signs and recorded warnings."