The entrance to Paddington station known to many who do

not arrive and depart by the tube is via the short entrance ramp off Praed Street. It was commonly referred to as Carriage Road getting its name from it being the only way that road transport would enter the station. Indeed, until the station was remodelled in the 1980s it was where parcels, newspaper and taxi traffic entered the station with the vehicles actually driving on to a wide platform between trains. Praed Street is one of many eponymous roads in London being named after William Praed who was the chairman of the company which built the canal basin which lies just to the north. Notice the GWR's insignia fully restored at the apex of the arch.