Hither Green Station step free access to platforms.

[biccy]

Last week the Sustainable Development Select Committee put the following recommendation to the Mayor.

The Committee recommends that the Mayor and Cabinet raise with Southeastern
Trains the issue of a lack of step-free access to several of the platforms at Hither
Green Rail Station, and whether the currently bricked-up ramps could be brought
back into use.

The commitee reports...

During members’ discussions, the lack of step-free access at Hither Green Station
was raised. Members reported that all but two of the five platforms do not have
step-free access. Ramps are closed off, apparently due to the steepness of the
slope raising safety concerns.

[BrianRobson]

Hi,

I've been trying to get to the bottom of this for some time. A lot of people have asked me why the ramps to platforms 1, 2/3, and 6 are blocked up. While they're probably steep, they'd still be a lot easier for people with pushchairs than crossing the bridges. I regularly get the 17.24 Sidcup line train from Waterloo East, which comes in on Platform 6, and there's always a crush to get over the bridge to the exit.

I raised this at our transport liaison meeting before Christmas, and Southeastern said they'd look into it. It was then discussed at the sustainable development committee (which I'm Vice Chair of) which decided to refer it to Mayor and Cabinet - hopefully that'll mean it gets more serious consideration by Southeastern.

I appreciate we'd need to make sure the ramps were well-lit and safe, and that they might prove steep for those in wheelchairs, but it'd still be more accessible than the bridges with steps we have at present. I think it's important we get onto this now, before Oyster pay-as-you-go comes in and that's used as an excuse to block it.

I'd be interested in others' views.

Cheers

Brian

[Middyj]

Surely the ramps can't be much (if at all) steeper than the one we use at the moment

[Maisie]

I have seem so many people having to struggle over the bridges with pushchairs. I have a feeling they would welcome step free access, regardless of how steep it is. As mentioned above I can't see the other entrances being any steeper than the one we use.

On a personal level it would be quicker to walk straight into the staion than having to go in and then along a platform and then over a bridge, which I currently have to do in the morning.

[Riscardo]

But when has common sense ever prevailed....

Common sense costs money ....

[gandulf]

Although i support the reinstatment of the ramps i suspect they were closed due to fare evasion & the liability of injuries & potential lawsuits when wet.

[greenwichhouse]

Yes! It annoys me so much that we all have to queue up to tramp over a bridge when an exit ramp already exists on platform 6. Makes me feel like we need to be controlled like cattle instead of being given a good (and logical) passenger service, Also, what about people with walking difficulties? They can't use platform 6 (the main exit platform) at all. Please count me in for any actions regarding this. it woudn't cost much to re-open platform six exit ramp.

[greenwichhouse]

And, regarding safety, can't the ramps easily be made safe? This is 2009!

[Fifi La Femme]

It would be great if they were to be open, I remember the good old days when you were able to use them. Does anyone remember the old ticket office? You used to go up a spiral walk way, I used to love going up there as a child.