Kent Station To Get Platform Lifts

Disability access campaigners in Kent have been celebrating the news that the railway station at Herne Bay is to get bespoke platform lifts to ensure step-free access for all passengers.

Canterbury City Council has given the green light for plans to install a new footbridge over the line, with lifts at either end, connecting the London-bound and coast-bound platforms, Kent Online reports.

Network Rail plans to have the bridge and lifts in place in the next three years, which will enable disabled commuters to use the station to travel to London. At present, they have to travel to Whitstable to find an accessible platform, as the only way to cross the line at Herne Bay is via an underpass with steps at either end.

Commenting on the news, wheelchair-bound passenger Sheila Appleton said: “It’s been so long that everybody has had to suffer so much with all the inconvenience it brings.”

She added: “It’s not only people like me who have had problems - it’s those with buggies, older people, people with luggage. It’s not easy for people.”

Ms Appleton, who has been in a wheelchair for 14 years, added that the more accessible railway station could help with efforts to bring more tourism to the town. 

When passengers such as Ms Appleton use the train to visit London, they may be pleased to see the growing number of rail and Tube stations that offer step-free access.

Last week saw Osterley station on the Piccadilly line become the 89th station on the Tube network to become step-free, following the completion of work to install two new lifts and improve signage.

Across London underground, six other stations have gained step-free access this year, while this is a feature of the two new stations opened up on the Northern line spur to Nine Elms.

By the end of this year, Harrow-on-the-Hill and Sudbury Hill stations are scheduled to raise the number to 91.