What is the largest/busiest NR station with no step-free access?

[Charlie Smythe]

I would say Exeter Central would the busiest one with 2.6m users and no step free access in sight.

 

[BrianW]

I would say Exeter Central would the busiest one with 2.6m users and no step free access in sight.

The National Rail layout plan shows lifts from concourse to platforms

www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations-and-destinations/stations-made-easy/exeter-central-station-plan

 

[duffield]

The National Rail layout plan shows lifts from concourse to platforms

www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations-and-destinations/stations-made-easy/exeter-central-station-plan

And just to confirm, the plan is correct, I've seen the lifts in use!

 

[Dr Hoo]

The referenced Plan of station facilities at Exeter Central also shows the ramps at the London (Waterloo) end of the platforms.

 

[philthetube]

The use of ramps does not meet the requirements of the Equalities Act. If ramps are not provided for and used by the able bodied then it is not equal if a PRM has to use them. True equality means no "special arrangements" for PRM, just use the same provisions as are made for the able bodied.

Takes as written there is probably not a station in the country which meets the requirements then as any step anywhere on a station would make it non compliant. As soon as a step is bypassed that is a special arrangement for PRM

 

[Tio Terry]

Takes as written there is probably not a station in the country which meets the requirements then as any step anywhere on a station would make it non compliant. As soon as a step is bypassed that is a special arrangement for PRM

That's true. Unless there is level boarding by some kind of Harrington ramp or system built in to the train (Stadler) which is for everyone to use. Yes, it's going to be a massive problem and take many years to comply with, I'll be pushing up daisies before it's implemented fully! But the idea is to give Equality, not special arrangements. The Train Operators and Station Operators need to get together and formulate plans to comply, and get them agreed by the DfT and ORR as a starting point.

 

[Ianno87]

That's true. Unless there is level boarding by some kind of Harrington ramp or system built in to the train (Stadler) which is for everyone to use. Yes, it's going to be a massive problem and take many years to comply with, I'll be pushing up daisies before it's implemented fully! But the idea is to give Equality, not special arrangements. The Train Operators and Station Operators need to get together and formulate plans to comply, and get them agreed by the DfT and ORR as a starting point.

Absolute equality is the idea...but, importantly, within bounds of practicality and affordability.

The panacea is all disabled users having near enough the exact same experience as everybody else. The first step will be HS2, Crossrail etc in a truly (near) equal experience.

 

[edwin_m]

There are also some people who find steps easier than ramps, for example those who have problems pivoting their feet off level and those that can walk but not the long distance that most ramps involve.

 

[BrianW]

There are also some people who find steps easier than ramps, for example those who have problems pivoting their feet off level and those that can walk but not the long distance that most ramps involve.

e.g. Charlbury:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations-and-destinations/stations-made-easy/charlbury-station-plan
Ramp from Entrance/ Platform 2 to Bridge= 108m + bridge to Platform 1= 105m
That's quite a walk.

 

[Trackman]

Talking of ramps, Hither Green (3.5m) boasts step free access to platforms 4&5 via the ramp.
Well, good luck with that if you turn up in a wheelchair, you'll be going nowhere, unless you have arms like Popeye and like dangerous sports. It's even more lethal if someone pushed you, especially trying to get you down the ramp. I've seen young mums with pushchairs struggling to get up it.

 

[Tio Terry]

There are also some people who find steps easier than ramps, for example those who have problems pivoting their feet off level and those that can walk but not the long distance that most ramps involve.

There are, and will always be, people who find any form of mobility a struggle. That's why the requirements of a 50mm step and a 50mm gap have been considered to be acceptable for general use. Yes, for some even this is a problem but to be able to measure improvements you have to start somewhere. It will be interesting to see how the TOC's and Station Operators respond and what plans they produce to show they will comply - and, of course, the timescales!

 

[ANDREW_D_WEBB]

Ealing Broadway is a busy station with no step free access

 

[Mikey C]

Ealing Broadway is a busy station with no step free access

It will do when the Crossrail upgrades are finished though