Brutish rail! Makeover for worst stations

Commuters wait to squeeze on to the next train to Victoria at Clapham Junction in south London. The London Assembly's transport committee suggested the capital's overground railways are struggling to cope with growing passenger numbers. The network carries 40% more passengers than it should during peak periods Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Graffiti on a pedestrian bridge near Barking, in east London Photograph: David Levene

Passengers on the platform at Preston station in Lancashire Photograph: Keith Morris/Alamy

Security gates block the side entrance to Liverpool Central station Photograph: Paul Ellis/AP

A train on the west coast main line runs through Stockport Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Victoria station in Manchester. Scotland's upgraded railway stations were praised as good examples for England and Wales to follow Photograph: Steve Allen/MEN

The next train leaves Crewe at ... A passenger scans a platform monitor for his train Photograph: Antonio Olmos

No kissing! Warrington Bank Quay station has a no kissing sign at the drop-off point, because departing passengers and drivers block access while saying goodbye to loved-ones Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Commuters wait for their train on the bare platform at Luton Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images