Access for all
Network Rail are installing lifts to allow step free access to all platforms at many Southeastern stations
Access for All
The Department for Transport’s Access for All (AfA) programme aims to provide an obstacle free, accessible route onto and between train station platforms.
Launched in 2006, AfA has so far provided 200 stations with better access across Britain’s rail network. Around 100 more projects are set to be completed by 2024, as part of a £300m fund announced in 2019.
The continued success of the programme, and accessibility improvements delivered as part of other station enhancement projects, means that more than 75% of rail journeys are now through stations with step-free access, compared with around 50% in 2005.
At Southeastern we have worked in close partnership with Network Rail to deliver a number of AfA schemes at our stations including Bromley South, Canterbury East, Chatham, Gravesend, Lewisham, St Mary Cray and Swanley.
| Below is a list of our current AfA projects |
|---|
| Battle – in development* |
| Bexley – lifts now open |
| Deal – new road with blue badge parking and platform level access project complete |
| Herne Bay – due to complete in Nov 2024 |
| High Brooms – in development* |
| Hither Green – in planning approval |
| Kidbrooke – in development* |
| Maidstone West – in development* |
| Marden – in development* |
| Petts Wood – lifts now open |
| Plumstead – lifts now open |
| Shortlands – due to complete in March 2025 |
*It was announced on 24 May that these five schemes have been selected for initial feasibility work, and, if successful, will be taken forward as part of the Access for All programme. You can read full details on the GOV.UK website.