07-05-2025
Ministers ‘using EU law to avoid fitting lifts at stations'
Ministers have been accused of using an obscure EU law to avoid fitting lifts in train stations.
Regulations state lifts are not obligatory for stations with a daily average of fewer than 1,000 passengers, or with an accessible station within 31 miles on the same route.
Of the UK's 2,500 mainline stations, about 1,500 do not meet the passenger footfall criteria, The Times reported.
Out of those that do, only 491 had at least one lift as of 2023, meaning at least 500 pass the threshold but are still inaccessible for disabled passengers.
Disability campaigners have been told there is no obligation to make these stations step-free because the EU clause about proximity to other accessible stations is still part of the National Technical Specification Notice (NTSN) even after Brexit.
At Harlington Station, Julian Vaughan was told the stipulation meant lifts didn't have to be built to help passengers get around the two platforms.
He told Rail Magazine that Network Rail also told him Luton Airport Parkway – which is 13 miles away – was a 'suitable' alternative.
The advice would force wheelchair users without a car to get a taxi to Luton Airport Parkway or make a two hour trip on three buses, when the journey takes 12 minutes on the train.
Simon Lightwood, the local transport minister, told The Times that Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, had 'no plans' to change the guidance.
'My department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of Appendix B on the availability of step-free access at stations, but we keep all NTSNs under regular review,' he added.
'Disgusting' decision
Sarah Gayton, a campaigner for the National Federation of the Blind of the UK, said the Government's decision to ignore accessibility at a time when it wants more people to take the train was 'disgusting'.
'Allowing Network Rail and the Government to hide behind an outdated clause in an appendix of a regulation is absolutely madness,' she told The Times.
'It means that when refusing a lift at a smaller station they don't have to explain their decision, they can just say 'this is the rule'.
'It's clear Simon Lightwood is out of his depth in his new role, and clearly does not understand accessibility. His refusal not to change the rules is inexcusable and a total backward step.'
A Department for Transport spokesman said the clause did not prevent ramps or lifts being installed but permitted them 'to be omitted when existing stations are being upgraded or renewed, within very specific defined circumstances'.
'Accessibility is an integral part of our rail reforms, and we are committed to enabling all passengers to travel easily, confidently and with dignity,' the spokesman continued.
'We are working to making it as easy and accessible as possible for everyone to get around, through programmes like Access for All, which has delivered step-free accessible routes at over 260 stations.'
