Train stations need to offer better access

More than a third of train stations in South Lanarkshire don’t have step-free access for disabled passengers.
Charity wants all rail journeys to be fully accessible by 2030Charity wants all rail journeys to be fully accessible by 2030
Charity wants all rail journeys to be fully accessible by 2030

Research by charity Leonard Cheshire has revealed that seven of the 19 stations across the region still require upgrading to allow disabled passengers to use the trains.

Burnside, Carluke, Carstairs, Croftfoot, Hamilton West, Kirkhill and Uddingston stations don’t have step free access.

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The disability charity is now calling for a new law that guarantees all rail journeys in Britain will be fully accessible by 2030 after their research suggested the network will not be fully accessible to disabled people until 2070.

Just three stations in Scotland were upgraded last year to become fully accessible and councillors in South Lanarkshire are calling for more to be done in the region.

Leader of the Labour group Councillor Joe Fagan said: “Unfortunately Scotland is years away from having a fully accessible rail network, with step-free access across the board. That doesn’t mean we have to accept the status quo, though.

“The whole experience for disabled passengers could be gradually improved if Access for All funding was increased and better information about step-free access was more widely available.”

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Councillor Mark McGeever, deputy leader of the Lib Dem group, added: “A railway system everyone can use is already long overdue.

“It is disgraceful that in the third decade of the 21st century almost half of this country’s train stations can only be accessed by stairs.

“This means a huge percentage of the population is denied access to a key public transport service.

“The failure to provide alternatives to stairs seriously discriminates against people who use wheelchairs, walking sticks or crutches, people who have difficulty balancing or are at risk of falls, and people pushing prams or travelling with small children.

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“Not only does this make it harder for many people to access jobs and services, it also harms the economy by making it harder for businesses to bring in customers and recruit talented staff.

“Governments should recognise that delivering proper access to the railway for everyone isn’t just about fairness and decency – it’s also a really smart investment.

“We need them to show real determination to right this wrong. So far progress has been at a snails’ pace – it’s time they caught the high-speed express.”

Stuart Robertson, director of Leonard Cheshire in Scotland, added: “These findings reinforce the need for investment to ensure our rail network fully meets the needs of disabled people.

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“It is a simple issue of equality that is even more relevant as we remain in an economic crisis for the foreseeable future.

“We have revealed a clear link between accessible rail and job opportunities for disabled people that will boost the economy and improve lives.”

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