Crystal Palace Train Station Access

[Otta]

Could anyone who ever uses this station please have a look at this, and sign the petition.

It's probably the most inaccessible station I have ever seen for buggies, and disabled people!

Petition

[Saffron]

We would deffo use this station more if access were better. I used to go there with Little Saff in the sling, but she's getting a bit heavy for my bad back now (14 kg and 89 cm tall at just 17 months!). Mr Saff once went out in the buggy only to forget about monumental stairs. He had to bump Little Saff in her buggy up and down the stairs from the far side of the station. Oh dear!.

[StraferJack]

good shout Otta

[ClareC]

Denmark hill horrendous too!

[Saffron]

Thanks, ClareC. I didn't know that about Denmark Hill. Obviously not a station I have used recently. I seem to recall that North Dulwich station isn't great either, but Herne Hill is not too bad for buggies. Does anyone know who uses them frequently?

Brockley station is stepfree for trains coming south from London Bridge, but not northbound to London Bridge. The station is under some renovations, so perhaps they will amend the northbound platform in the future?

Ladywell station is stepfree both directions. It's also adjacent to lovely Ladywell Fields which has two excellent play areas for toddlers and older children.

[jollybaby]

Peckham rye not that great either!

[crystal7]

CP is awful for buggies as is P Rye, must admit though people usually offer to help...

[david_carnell]

Ummm...

To accommodate the additional East London Line services, and to provide disabled access to all platforms of the station, substantial works are required at the station. A planning application was submitted to Bromley Council in February 2009, which will include alterations to the Victorian booking hall building, removal of the current ticket office, removal of the pedestrian bridge over Platforms 1 and 2 and new stairs to Platform 1. The original entrance and ticket hall will be brought back into use, with three lifts installed to provide access to the platforms and a new canopy will be installed over platforms 3-7.

So, for over two years a project has been underway to substantially renovate a Grade II historic building. Patience people.

So that petition is worthless since it's happening anyway. And that's not a criticism of Otta or whoever else has signed it but just to alert you to the fact that it'll amount to a hill of beans.

As for the other stations mentioned, the same problems apply. Often old or listed buildings with limited space that would cost extortionate amounts of money to refurb with disabled access (which is essentially what you'd need for buggies too). This cost would have to passed on to the passengers who are already paying hefty fares. Not to mention the inconvenience caused by the work.

I'm afraid, given that the vast number of train users are non-buggy/able bodied and at peak hours, the economics don't add up.

[Otta]

Agree about the costs, but I wonder where they stand legally when it comes to disabled access. It would need someone to take the time to kick off acott it though.

[david_carnell]

I think the legal standpoint is that reasonable efforts have to be made. But, for example, there are some older tube stations that it is just not possible to retro-fit lifts or wheelchair friendly escalators.

And obviously considerations have to be made for Crystal Palace being a listed building - you can't just knock it down however you feel like.

I suspect, given that planning permission has been approved, money is the factor here for Southern Trains.

[Otta]

The law is a bit hazy around disability access. I think in order to not put small businesses out of business, they accepted "reasonable effort" (such as a shop keeper coming outside and tking an order from a wheelchair user, if the chair can't get in to the shop itself. However, when it comes to a large company, I think there would be less sympathy.

Unfortunately though, the legislation can be interpretted in different wys.

[Saffron]

Well, if they're doing anything to CP station, it's at a snail's pace. A few steps at a time are managable with a buggy, but the steps at CP nearly qualify for their own mountain rescue team.

[2Loulou]

CP has trains to London Bridge, Victoria and the Ginger line, surely someone should think soon about the passengers around CP... a lot of them are parents with kids and some with disabilities, but my gut feel this may not be anytime soon, I did sign the petition though, you never know!