Beware: Explorer

It’s brilliant that frail, elderly and infirm people can be taken round the gardens in a vehicle. But do we really need the Explorer train, which in any case only has room for one wheelchair?

Walkers, including people with prams or in electric wheelchairs, are forced off the path while it passes, because it's so wide. We wait on the grass (or mud) as it slowly trundles past, listening to the loud commentary and smelling the engine fumes. Or the aftershave and alcohol fumes, if it's full of party-goers.

I'm in favour of some sort of motorised transport for people who can't walk far, but something slimmer and shorter would have been kinder for the vast majority of visitors who are on foot.

Again, lack of planning and forethought by the management. Combined with a wish to squeeze as many people in, at £4 a head.

Kew Explorer Train