This is a blog covering the status of the UK railway stations provided with ‘Access for All’ (AfA) funding to provide step-free access. The ‘Access for All’ funding programme aims to provide an accessible route onto and between railway station platforms and was launched in 2006.
Since its launch, step-free routes have been provided at approximately 200 stations. It is often quoted that more than 75% of rail journeys are now through stations with step-free access. I view this as misleading as by definition this figure includes non-disabled people and makes no reference to the thousands of railway platforms across the UK that remain ‘no-go’ areas for disabled people.
The information below is divided into three sections.
- Stations awarded AfA funding in 2014 for Control Period 5 (2014-2019).
- The 27 stations awarded AfA funding in 2014, but deferred as a result of the ‘Hendy Report’ to Control Period 6.
- Stations awarded AfA funding in 2019 for Control Period 6 (2019-2024)
The results make for grim reading, and some stations will be waiting for well over a decade after their original funding was agreed. Read more about these stations here: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/08/09/a-decade-of-step-free-delay/
This process has been made significantly more difficult due to Network Rail’s inability to give out anything other than ‘good news’. This insidious and pervasive corporate culture is endemic across the UK and reduces both transparency and accountability.
Any errors are mine alone and I do regard the below as a ‘live’ document. Please feel free to get in touch with any corrections.
You are welcome to email me at: ukrailaccessnetwork@gmail.com
I have linked to sources where available and I provide further resources and further reading at the bottom of this post. Completed projects are highlighted in green.
Regarding the stations awarded funding in 2019 for Control Period 6. I understand that following a ‘deep dive’ review into ‘AfA’ projects by the Department for Transport, the deadline for unfinished stations has been extended from 2024 to March 2026.
There is much discussion about the affordability of providing an accessible rail network. I discuss this in this blog: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/07/16/can-we-afford-not-to-have-an-accessible-railway/
On to the data, starting with the stations awarded funding in 2014.
*Please note that these tables were created in September 2024 and updated in January 2025 and August 2025.
How are stations awarded ‘Access for All’ funding in 2014 progressing?
| Station | Completion Status and Comments |
| Teddington | Works due to start September 2023 and finish Spring 2024. https://teddingtontown.co.uk/2023/09/13/work-finally-starts-on-teddington-station-lifts/ https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/accessibility-improvements-afoot-at-barnes-and-teddington-stations *Update 15.01.25* The station is only partially accessible with no cross-platform step-free access. Cost £4.2m *Update 04.08.25* The station is now step-free. Press release from Network Rail on 23rd May 2025 announcing opening – cost revised up to £5.4m. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/teddington-becomes-latest-station-in-south-west-london-to-receive-accessibility-improvements# Category B2 station. Managed by: South Western Railway |
| Crawley | Complete. |
| Palmers Green | Due for completion mid 2024 https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/assembly-member-press-releases/palmers-green-and-alexandra-palace-station-upgrades-make-progress *Update* Construction now due to start in 2025 https://enfielddispatch.co.uk/network-rail-sorry-for-delays-to-station-accessibility-upgrade/ Managed by: Great Northern *Update 18th August 2025* Direct from Network Rail Senior Public Affairs Manager: “In 2019, the Department for Transport announced a feasibility study to explore the possibility of making Palmers Green railway station step-free. (Author’s note: Palmers Green was actually granted funding in 2014 at the start of Control Period 5) Feasibility studies, as you know, investigate the potential affordability and deliverability of a project, as well as the potential benefits in meeting the objectives of the Access for All programme, passenger demand forecasts, and economic and transport benefits. Once completed, the feasibility study is submitted to the Department for Transport to determine the next steps for the project. The proposed Access for All Scheme at Palmers Green railway station is particularly complex due to space constraints around the platforms. These challenges mean that the scheme is remains in the design stage, with cost and benefit estimates currently under review. We expect to have more details available in the coming months and will keep you updated on the project’s status”. |
| Coulsdon South | Complete. |
| Shortlands | Due for completion in Spring 2025. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/shortlands-station-access-for-all-improvements/ Cost £8.5m *Update* Lifts opened 28th April 2025. https://newsroom.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news/shortlands-station-accessibility-scheme-completed Managed by: Southeastern |
| Plumstead | Complete March 2024 – National Rail Enquiries Map is out of date. The National Rail Enquiries map is still out of date as of 4th August 2025 as it does not show the lifts – Southeastern notified of error. Cost £4.6m Managed by: Southeastern |
| Selhurst | Complete. |
| Carshalton | Complete August 2019. |
| Canterbury East | Complete. |
| Bexley | Lifts are open, although the National Rail Enquiries Map shows no lifts at the station – Southeastern notified of the error. Managed by: Southeastern |
| Ewell West | Complete. |
| Alexandra Palace | Due for completion by Spring 2025. https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/assembly-member-press-releases/palmers-green-and-alexandra-palace-station-upgrades-make-progress Cost £8.1m *Update* Still not step-free as of 04.08.25. Managed by Great Northern *Update 18th August 2025* Direct from Network Rail Senior Public Affairs Manager: “Regarding accessibility improvements at Alexandra Palace railway station as part of the Government’s Access for All scheme, I can confirm that these plans are also in the design stage, with a new contractor on board who is finalising the design and preparing a construction schedule”. |
| Tring | Complete in 2020 – cost £5.8m. |
| Stetchford | Complete, but incorrect information on the National Rail Map. Notified in October 24 and January 25. *Update* The lift information has now been corrected – checked August 2025. Managed by West Midlands Railway |
| Meols | Complete 2020. |
| Mills Hill | Complete 2020. |
| Torquay | ‘In Development’ https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/access-for-all-improving-accessibility-at-railway-stations-nationwide/ |
| Totnes | Complete. |
| Scunthorpe | Complete although lifts only open during staffed hours – therefore should be classed as a B2 station rather than a Category A station. There are 5 W/B trains towards Doncaster after 20.00 when the station staffing is withdrawn. |
| Headingley | Completed in May 2019, although the National Rail Enquiries map still does not show the lifts at the station. *Update August 2025 – the NRE map still doesn’t show the lifts – Northern and NRE have both been reminded. https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/headingley/ |
| Taffs Well | Lifts due to be completed imminently. https://tfw.wales/sites/default/files/2023-04/Taff%27s%20Well%20AFA%20April%20-%20ENG.pdf August 2025 – still at Category B2 station https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/taffs-well/ |
| Treherbert | Complete – Accessible ramp to platform. |
How are stations awarded ‘Access for All’ funding in 2014, but then deferred to Control Period 6 (2019-2024) progressing?
| Station | TRAIN OPERATING COMPANY | Completion Date | Comments |
| ALFRETON | East Midlands Railway | At March 2023 – Due Spring/Summer 2024 https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-starts-on-accessibility-upgrade-project-at-alfreton-station *Feb 2025 Update – due for completion early 2025 *August 2025 Update* Lifts were opened on 3rd June. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/derbyshire-stations-accessibility-scheme-is-completed Out of date information (no mention of the lifts) on either the NRE of ‘Fab Map’ websites as af 5th August. Cost £6.75m | TOC emailed for comment, no reply |
| BARNES | South Western Railway | Due early 2024, delayed to end of 2024. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/accessibility-improvements-afoot-at-barnes-and-teddington-stations https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/wessex-access-for-all-schemes/ *Update August 2025* Lifts opened February 2025 https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/barnes-station-takes-railway-accessibility-forward-in-south-west-london | Cost £5.7 million *Update August 2025* Cost £8.3m (source Network Rail press release. |
| BARRY (TOWN) | Transport for Wales | Opened July 2022 | |
| BATTERSEA PARK | Southern | Network Rail 2006 Press Release: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/battersea-park-station-on-track-for-major-makeover No firm date for completion – estimate end of 2026. https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/battersea-park-station-upgrade-plans-could-provide-step-free-access-65819/ | As of Sep 23, cost estimate £20 million – £4m from AfA, the rest from developers’ contributions. |
| CATHAYS | Transport for Wales | Lifts currently being built, estimated completion early 2025 *Update August 2025* Lifts not in service TfW contacted for update. *Update 9th September 2025* FOI response from TfW: “Progress: Design & Build Contractor appointed. Detailed design being worked through (TfW Plan of Work Stage E). Estimated completion of the project: Spring 2027″ | |
| CHATHAM | Southeastern | Opened September 2022 | Cost £5.8 million |
| GARFORTH | Northern | Lifts due to open August 2024. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/first-of-its-kind-passenger-footbridge-opens-at-west-yorkshire-station *29th July Update from NR – lifts due to open in the Autumn 2024. *Update 5th August 2025* Northern confirm via Twitter that the lifts have not yet opened – although data on the NRE website suggests they are open! *Update 8th August 2025* Network Rail states via email that the works at Garforth station are complete. *Update 11th August 2025* NRE website states lifts are out of order. | Cost £6 million ‘Beacon’ Bridge – no further news re completion. |
| GRAYS | c2c | Work due to start Jan 2024 and take 12 months. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/grays-station-accessibility-improvements-to-begin-in-september *June 2025 Update* lifts due to open by July – as per local MP Facebook post. *5th August update* Lifts not open. | No ORR station categorisation. |
| HITHER GREEN | Southeastern | No information on completion. *Update* Summer 2025 – work starting March 2025 – due to complete Autumn 2027. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/kent-and-south-east-london-railway-upgrade-plan/hither-green-station-access-for-all-improvements/ | 3.3m passengers annually. |
| LIVERPOOL CENTRAL | Merseyrail | Lifts opened | |
| LLANELLI | Transport for Wales | Lifts currently being built *Update August 2025* Lifts are now open. | |
| LUTON | Thameslink | As of Sep 2023, work due to start Spring 2024. *Update – work due to start August 2024 https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/construction-work-begins-on-major-improvements-at-luton-station *Further update – work due to start Spring 2025. https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/transport/an-accessible-station-has-never-been-more-necessary-work-on-lifts-and-footbridge-at-luton-railway-station-delayed-until-spring-2025-4806679 *Update* Estimated completion now 2026 | |
| MARKET HARBOROUGH | East Midlands Railway | Lifts opened 2020? https://www.railengineer.co.uk/affordable-by-design-market-harborough-station-revisited/ | |
| NORTHALLERTON | Trans Pennine Express | Opened March 2022 | |
| PECKHAM RYE | Southern | Work due to start 2026 *July 2025 Update* Work paused ‘until further notice’. https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/peckham/peckham-rye-station-upgrade-postponed-in-recent-spending-review/ | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/kent-and-south-east-london-railway-upgrade-plan/peckham-rye-station-redevelopment/ |
| PETTS WOOD | Southeastern | Lifts opened early 2024 | Cost £10.79m |
| QUEEN’S PARK | London Underground | Delayed – No clear data available | |
| SEVEN SISTERS | London Overground | No data available *Update January 2025* Delayed due to funding shortfall. https://haringeycommunitypress.co.uk/2025/01/17/plan-to-install-lifts-at-seven-sisters-station-put-on-hold-amid-funding-issues/ | |
| SOUTHEND EAST | c2c | No data available *Update June 2025 – estimated completion end of 2026. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/contract-awarded-for-accessibility-improvements-at-second-southend-station https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/reminder-invitation-to-the-chalkwell-and-southend-east-station-community-events | |
| ST MARY CRAY | Southeastern | Lifts opened February 2022 | |
| STREATHAM | Southern | Lifts opened December 2023 | |
| THEALE | Great Western Railway | Work due to be completed either Winter 23/24 or Spring 2024 depending on source. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/one-step-closer-major-milestone-reached-in-improving-accessibility-at-theale-station *Further update – lifts delayed to November 2024. As of January 2025 lifts are still not in service. https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/network-rail-criticised-for-late-opening-of-theale-station-access-for-all-footbridge-11-12-2024/ *Final Update – Lifts opened at this station on 16th January 2025. https://thealestationusers.wordpress.com/2025/01/16/update-from-us-thursday-16th-january-2025-its-over/ | Cost £9.5m |
| TREFFOREST | Transport for Wales | No data available | Currently classed as B2 station as per ORR classification. |
| WALTON-on-THAMES | South Western Railway | Lifts Open August 2024. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/wessex-access-for-all-schemes/#wandsworth | Classed as B2 station due to steep gradient of ramp to platform 1. |
| WARWICK | Chiltern | Work currently paused *Friday 6 September 2024 – work restarted estimated 6 months. *Update June 2025* Subway re-opened and lift shaft being put in place. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/warwick-station-subway-reopens-to-passengers *Update 6th August 2025* Lifts not yet in operation. | Work paused due to finding foundations of original station. |
| WESTON-SUPER-MARE | Great Western Railway | *Update July 2024* https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/24457906.network-rails-plans-install-two-lifts-weston-railway-station/ *Update 21st August 2025* from Network Rail Community Relations: “Within the Western region, we have St Erth, which is expected to be complete in November this year, and Weston-Super-Mare, which is expected to be completed in January 2027”. | |
| WORCESTER SHRUB HILL | West Midlands Railway | Work is due to be completed by the end of 2023. No lifts working at present. https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/20989317.lift-installed-shrub-hill-station-2023/ https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/station-platform-canopies-to-be-restored-at-worcester-shrub-hill | Currently classified as a B3 station Update direct from Network Rail received on 13th August 2025: In response to your information request as regard Worcester Shrub Hill. Funding for a lift scheme for Worcester Shrub Hill station has been committed to as part of the government’s access for all scheme. This scheme is currently in design phase and therefore we’re unable to share any estimated completion dates. Members of the public will be kept informed of next steps once a timeline has been agreed. |
How are stations awarded ‘Access for All’ funding in 2019 (Control Period 6) progressing?
| STATION | Train Operating Company | Progress | Comments |
| ABERGAVENNY | Transport for Wales | Due to complete Early 2025 *Update May 2025* Lifts and beacon Bridge opened. https://www.abergavennychronicle.com/news/step-free-access-available-for-passengers-in-abergavenny-793425 | NR press release. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Abergavenny |
| ANNIESLAND | ScotRail | Due to complete Sep 2024 | email from ScotRail. *Update* now open October 2024. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/anniesland-station-now-step-free-as-unique-accessibility-project-is-completed |
| BEACONSFIELD | Chiltern | No Data found *update 6th August 2025* No information available on progress – Network Rail contacted. *Update 7th August 2025* Response from Chiltern via Twitter – they’re awaiting a response from Network Rail pending a ministerial budget review. | |
| BEESTON | East Midlands Railway | Due to complete Autumn 2024 *Update August 2025* Apparently the lifts are now open, although the National Rail Access Map still states there are no lifts at the station. | Added March 2020 Budget https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/engineers-begin-work-on-improving-accessibility-at-beeston-station |
| BIGGLESWADE | Great Northern | Originally due to be complete in late 2022. Now no completion date. *Update* Now due for completion December 2025. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/accessibility-upgrades-to-restart-at-biggleswade-station-this-january *Update August 2025* Lifts still on course to be opened December 2025. | |
| BIRKENHEAD PARK | Works complete | ||
| BRIDLINGTON | Works complete | ||
| BROAD GREEN | Northern | Closed for refurb until Winter 2024. *Update Jan 2025* Lifts due for completion by December 2026 – reason for delay – change of contractor. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/metro-mayor-puts-northern-on-30860194 | |
| CAERPHILLY | Transport for Wales | No Data found *Update August 2025* still no data found on progress. *Update 9th September 2025* FOI Request response from TfW: “Step free access at Caerphilly is in development as part of the Caerphilly Interchange proposal. Estimated completion dates are yet to be confirmed and subject to funding approvals. The scheme forms part of the Southeast Wales Corporate Joint Committee’s Regional Transport Plan and Regional Transport Development Plan, full details of which are available on Cardiff Capital Region’s website”. | |
| CATFORD | Works complete | ||
| CHALKWELL | c2c | Delayed to 2026 *August 2025 Update* Expected to have lifts open by end of 2026. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/reminder-invitation-to-the-chalkwell-and-southend-east-station-community-events | https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24201659.chalkwell-station-accessible-lift-delay-extends-2026/ |
| CHORLEY | Northern | Due to be completed in August 2024 – no update found in Jan 2025. *Update April 2025* https://www.parallelparliament.co.uk/question/41974/chorley-station-access *Update 7th August 2025* ‘Repairs’ still being carried out – source Northern Twitter reply. *Update 8th August* via email from Network Rail – “We are currently reviewing all of the previous design work in parallel with engaging with our supply chain for continued design and onward delivery. We’re too early in the handover stage to be able to accurately communicate either a timescale but, rest assured, Network Rail are absolutely committed to delivering the scheme. We have a dedicated Access for All delivery organisation who will be undertaking the work. Once we have a timescales these will be set out in upcoming press releases”. | |
| CRICKLEWOOD | Thameslink | In development – delayed in March 2024. *Update 11th August 2025* Direct from Network Rail – Community Relations Manager East Midlands Route. “The proposed Access for All scheme at Cricklewood station is particularly complex due to the limited access for railway closures, signalling infrastructure interventions required and delivery that would struggle to keep the station fully operational due to platform widths. These challenges mean the scheme remains in the design stage with cost and benefits estimates under review”. | *Author’s personal view. The mention of a cost/benefit analysis review, along with the layout issues, puts completion of this project in doubt in a reasonable timescale. |
| CROWBOROUGH | Works complete £4.7m | ||
| CROY | Works complete | ||
| CWMBRAN | Transport for Wales | Due to be completde by late Summer/ end of Autumn 2024 depending on which press release you read. *Update March 2025* Lifts opened on 17th March. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/cwmbran-stations-new-lifts-and-footbridge-are-officially-opened-making-travel-easier-than-ever-for-passengers Passenger Numbers 385,000 | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Cwmbran https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/mp-for-torfaen-sees-progress-on-accessible-footbridge-at-cwmbran-station-as-significant-milestone-is-reached |
| DAISY HILL | Northern | Due to complete Dec 2024/April 2025 *Update April 2025* Lifts opened on 22nd April. https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/9fbaa73e-25f5-4095-b682-108d9ff0ea1c/daisy-hill-station-now-step-free-transforming-access-for-passengers Cost: £4m | https://memuknews.com/infrastructure/civil-structural-engineering/work-to-improve-accessibility-at-greater-manchester-stations-to-start-in-spring/ https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/engineering/daisyhill-irlam# |
| DUMFRIES | Works complete | ||
| EAGLESCLIFFE | Northern | Due to complete Autumn 2025. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/92-tonne-bridge-lifted-into-place-at-eaglescliffe-station | Added March 2020 Budget https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-starts-on-multi-million-pound-improvement-scheme-at-eaglescliffe-railway-station |
| EAST GRINSTEAD | Southern | Works Complete Sep 22 £4.5m | Added March 2020 Budget |
| ERIDGE | Works Complete | Added March 2020 Budget | |
| FLINT | Transport for Wales | Due to complete by end of 2024. *Update August 2025* Lifts have now opened – no info on exact date. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Flint *Official Opening 2nd October 2025* Cost £5.5m. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/flint-railway-station-now-step-free-in-major-boost-for-accessibility | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Flint |
| FLITWICK | Thameslink | No firm date for completion *Update 1st October 2024 – delayed until mid 2025 or later* *Update 11th August 2025* Direct from Network Rail’s East Midlands Route Community Relations Manager. “We completed the initial survey works earlier this year, and we’re finalising the contract with the supplier for the remaining surveys and design works, which are proposed to be completed in Autumn 2025. During this phase, we’ll work with the supplier to confirm the programme for detailed design and delivery”. | Added March 2020 Budget. Originally due to be completed by March 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c72qj230xg3o *Author’s personal view. My experience is that there is a lead time of approximately 12 months from the completion of the design stage to the opening of lifts. Therefore, I do not expect the station to become step-free until late 2026. |
| HACKNEY DOWNS | London Overground | As of Aug 2024 work not started | https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/hackney-downs-step-free-access-upgrade-project-overground-station-accessibility-rail-b1177522.html https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2024/08/22/step-free-access-delay-hackney-downs-overground-station/ |
| HANDFORTH | Northern | Due to be complete early 2026 | https://www.handforthstation.org.uk/access-for-all-2/ |
| HERNE BAY | Southeastern | Due to complete Winter 2024 *Update March 2025* Lifts opened in March 2025. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/herne-bay-station-access-for-all-improvements/ | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/kent/herne-bay-station-access-for-all-improvements/# |
| HERTFORD NORTH | Great Northern | In development – due Jan 2025 *Update Jan 2025* New contractor being sought – potential delay to 2026. https://hertford.org.uk/local-news/1589/station-lift-delayed-further | *Update April 2024* https://x.com/JulieMarsonMP/status/1776268635293536554 |
| HILLSIDE | Works complete | ||
| HUNT’S CROSS | Works complete | ||
| IRLAM | Northern | Due to complete Jan 2025/May 2025. Update May 2025* Lifts opened 14th May. https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/25159957.two-new-lifts-installed-irlam-railway-station/ | https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/a7877f7b-085f-46ea-8678-2859b3bf614a/work-to-improve-accessibility-at-greater-manchester-stations-to-start-in-spring https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/engineering/daisyhill-irlam# |
| ISLEWORTH | Works complete | ||
| JOHNSTONE | Works complete | ||
| KINGS LANGLEY | London Northwestern Railway | 3 Lifts ‘in development’ – no data *Update August 2025* No data found. | |
| LEATHERHEAD | Southern | Due to complete Spring 2025 £6.2m *Update April 2025* Lifts opened. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/sussex/leatherhead-station-access-for-all-improvements/ The Rail Delivery Group’s National Rail Access map states that there are no lifts at the station and the NRE map of the station has no lifts indicated. | https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/leatherhead-station-in-south-london-will-soon-benefit-from-two-new-16-person-capacity-lifts-and-a-new-footbridge-which-will-make-the-station-fully-accessible |
| LUDLOW | Transport for Wales | Due to be completed Sep 2024. *Update February 2025* Lifts opened. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/ludlow-stations-new-lift-opens-and-will-transform-access-for-passengers-1 | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Ludlow https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-67099887 |
| MENSTON | Northern | Due to complete Feb 2025. *August 2025 Update* No lifts at the station. Could not find further updates. *8th August 2025 Update* Provided by Network Rail via email: “Work at Menston is due to be completed next year”. | https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24076952.government-confirms-work-due-start-menston-station/ https://www.shipleyconservatives.org.uk/news/minister-confirms-start-date-menston-station-access-all-scheme |
| MILL HILL BROADWAY | Thameslink | No work started as of March 2024. *August 2025 Update* No info found. | https://barnetpost.co.uk/2024/03/26/barnet-politicians-slam-government-on-step-free-access/ https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-03-25.20273.h |
| NEWTOWN | Transport for Wales | Due to be completed by Autumn 2024/ end of 2024. *Update* Lifts opened 1st April 2025. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-lifts-open-at-newtown-station | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/improving-station-accessibility-in-wales-and-borders/#Newtown https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/ms-for-montgomeryshire-sees-progress-on-accessible-footbridge-at-newtown-station |
| PORT GLASGOW | Works Complete | Finished Dec 2023 https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/news/2023/dec/official-opening-of-port-glasgow-train-station-s-new-accessible-footbridge-and-lifts | |
| RETFORD | Works complete | ||
| SELBY | TransPennine Express | Due to complete June 2023 | https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/step-free-selby-upgraded-footbridge-and-new-lifts-project-set-to-begin Awaiting update from Network Rail: email sent 10/09/2024 *Update 19th September – lifts opened on Monday 16th September. |
| SHOTTON | Transport for Wales | No data available. Not step-free as per National Rail Accessibility Map 15.01.2025. *Update August 2025* No update found. | Awaiting update from Network Rail: email sent 10/09/2024 no update received. |
| SMETHWICK ROLFE STREET | West Midlands Railway | Work due to be finished July 2022 | https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-to-start-on-new-passenger-lifts-at-smethwick-rolfe-street-station# Awaiting update from Network Rail: email sent 10/09/2024 *Update 11th September – the station lifts opened in Sep 2022. The data on the Access Map and NRE website map does not show any lifts. I have raised this with WMR. |
| ST ERTH | Great Western Railway | Due to complete in Spring 2024. As of 15.01.2024 not completed. *Update Nov 2024* Bridge deck installed. Details below. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/important-milestone-reached-as-bridge-deck-and-temporary-staircases-installed-for-new-footbridge-at-st-erth *Update April 2025* Shuttle taxi service to be provided between the two car parks to help with cross platform access – source NRE station descriptor. *Update 21st August 2025* from Network Rail Community Relations: “Within the Western region, we have St Erth, which is expected to be complete in November this year, and Weston-Super-Mare, which is expected to be completed in January 2027”. | https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-begins-to-bring-step-free-access-to-st-erth |
| SOUTH CROYDON | Southern | No data *Update July 2025* Money to be provided for feasibility study as part of £92b funding for rail and road projects. https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/25300651.government-backs-plan-lifts-south-croydon-station/ *Note – this station was already provided funding in 2020! | Added March 2020 Budget https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/four-stations-on-southern-and-thameslink-routes-in-the-south-to-benefit-from-network-rail-delivered-accessibility-improvements |
| ST MICHAELS | Works complete | ||
| STONELEIGH | South Western Railway | Due to complete Summer 2024. *Update April 2025* Lifts opened. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/accessibility-upgrades-provide-further-improvements-to-stoneleigh-station-in-surrey Cost: £9.1m | https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/wessex-access-for-all-schemes/#stoneleigh |
| STOWMARKET | Greater Anglia | Work due to start September 2023 – Modular design. *Update August 2025* Lifts due to open end of 2025. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/anglia/improving-the-railway-in-anglia/anglia-access-for-all-schemes/ Cost: £5.5m https://railuk.com/railway-stations/greater-anglia-continues-work-on-revolutionary-stowmarket-station-bridge/ | https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/first-order-in-for-revolutionary-modular-railway-footbridge-01-06-2022/ |
| TENBY | Transport for Wales | ‘In development’ – no further data | Awaiting update from Network Rail: email sent 10/09/2024 |
| TODMORDEN | Northern | Under Construction *Update June 2025* FOI request reply unable to give a completion date – due to a government spending review in June 2025. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/todmorden_station_lifts/response/3033953/attach/3/FOI202500817%20Response.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1 *Update 8th August 2025* from Network Rail via email: “We are currently reviewing all of the previous design work in parallel with engaging with our supply chain for continued design and onward delivery. We’re too early in the handover stage to be able to accurately communicate either a timescale but, rest assured, Network Rail are absolutely committed to delivering the scheme. We have a dedicated Access for All delivery organisation who will be undertaking the work. Once we have a timescales these will be set out in upcoming press releases”. | |
| TOOTING | Thameslink | Due to be completed in Autumn 2024/January 2025 *Update* Lifts opened February 2025. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/sussex/tooting-station-access-for-all-improvements/ | Added March 2020 Budget https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/sussex/tooting-station-access-for-all-improvements/ https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/four-stations-on-southern-and-thameslink-routes-in-the-south-to-benefit-from-network-rail-delivered-accessibility-improvements |
| UDDINGTON | Works complete | ||
| WALKDEN | Northern | ‘In development’ – no further data. *Update -delayed by a historic mineshaft found when doing prep work. https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-investigating-historic-mine-found-beneath-walkden-station-during-accessibility-upgrade *August 2025* No further update. | Added March 2020 Budget. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/02/greater-manchester-mine-shafts-found-in-station-work.html |
| WANDSWORTH TOWN | South Western Railway | ‘In development’ *Update August 2025* No further info available. | Due to start on site in late 2024. https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/wessex-access-for-all-schemes/#wandsworth |
| WELLINGTON | West Midlands Railway | ‘In development’ – not started as of May 2024. *Update August 2025* Work not due to start until Autumn 2026 “at the earliest”. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq5gl4n7eleo | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdd5k30w38o |
Julian Vaughan
10th September 2024 – and amended on various dates up to 15th January 2025 and August 2025.
Sources and Further Reading:
Control Period 5 AfA Announcement: 29th April 2014 https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2014-04-29/debates/14042933000010/AccessForAll(Funding)
Control Period 6 AfA Announcement: 4th April 2019 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/access-for-all-73-stations-set-to-benefit-from-additional-funding
Control Period 7 AfA Announcement: 29th May 2024 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/railway-stations-awarded-access-for-all-accessibility-funding
Starmer, Rail Accessibility and Tanni GT: 1st September 2024 https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/09/01/starmer-rail-accessibility-and-tanni-gt/
Access for All: Nominated stations for Control Period 7 – 310 were nominated, of which 50 were selected: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/07/17/access-for-all-nominated-stations/
Actions, not words needed on rail accessibility: 30th April 2024 https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/04/30/actions-not-words-needed-on-rail-accessibility/
An open letter to Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/05/03/an-open-letter-to-network-rail-ceo-andrew-haines/
Julian Vaughan 
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